cover more cruise travel insurance

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Cruise Insurance: Why You Need It + 4 Best Options for 2024

Seven Corners »

Travelex Insurance Services »

AXA Assistance USA »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Cruise Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Seven Corners
• Travelex Insurance Services

Cruise vacations come with the same considerations as any other trip, including the potential for trip cancellations, trip interruptions, unforeseen medical expenses and even a need for emergency medical evacuation. Add in the potential for unruly weather during hurricane season , and it's easy to see why cruise insurance plans are so popular and recommended.

Read on to find out which cruise travel insurance plans U.S. News recommends and how they can protect the investment you made in a cruise when something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions:

All cruise insurance plans are unique, and some have different coverages than others. However, most travel insurance plans for cruises cover the following:

• Trip delays, interruptions and cancellations: This kind of coverage is essential any time of the year, but especially during hurricane season when storms can impact your travel plans. 
• Protection for medical emergencies: This type of coverage can help pay for unexpected medical bills if you're injured on board the ship or hurt during a shore excursion. You can also choose a cruise insurance plan that covers emergency medical evacuation from the ship or to the nearest hospital.
• Coverage for lost or delayed baggage: Coverage for baggage is important for cruises just like any other trip. This type of insurance can pay for essential items you need to buy if your bags are lost or stolen and don't make it on the ship. 

With each of these protections, a coverage limit is listed with your plan. This means you may get reimbursed for your losses or prepaid travel expenses up to this limit, but only when a covered reason applies to your claim.

One of the main reasons to buy cruise insurance is for medical emergencies. Note that, once you're on a cruise ship or visiting a destination outside the United States, your own U.S. health insurance plan will not apply. The same truth applies if you have government health coverage like Medicare.

You can purchase cruise insurance through your cruise line, but these plans are often very basic with low limits for medical expenses and other coverages. For example, cruise line travel insurance policies often come with just $25,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses and up to $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation, which may not be enough.

Fortunately, you can buy cruise insurance from any travel insurance provider when planning this type of trip. By buying coverage from an independent travel insurance provider instead of your cruise line, you get to select the exact coverages and limits you need for the best protection possible.

• Seven Corners: Best Overall
• Travelex Insurance Services: Best for Families
• AXA Assistance USA: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best Cost

Plan is cruise-specific

Get coverage for missed cruise connections and tours

Medical expense coverage is secondary if you opt for lower-tier Basic plan

• Up to 150% in reimbursement for trip interruption
• Up to $250 per person, per day in trip delay coverage ($2,000 maximum)
• Up to $250 per day in missed tour or cruise connection coverage ($1,500 maximum)
• Primary emergency medical expense coverage worth up to $500,000
• Medical evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage worth up to $1 million
• Political and security evacuation coverage worth up to $20,000
• Up to $2,500 in protection for baggage and personal effects (limit per item of $250)
• Up to $100 per day ($500 maximum) in coverage for baggage delays of six hours or more

Travel Select plan offers coverage with pricing for kids included

Customize your plan with additional medical coverage, adventure sports coverage and more

Only $1,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects

$200 maximum coverage for baggage delays

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of total trip cost (maximum $50,000)
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 150% of trip cost (maximum $75,000)
• $2,000 in trip delay coverage for a delay of at least five hours ($250 per day)
• $750 in coverage for missed connections (delay of at least three hours required)
• Emergency medical expense coverage worth up to $50,000 (dental emergency sublimit of $500 included)
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage worth up to $500,000
• $1,000 in protection for baggage and personal effects
• Up to $200 in coverage for baggage delays (at least 12-hour delay required)
• Travel assistance services

Provides comprehensive coverage for all aspects of cruising

High policy limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

Does not offer cruise-specific travel insurance

• Trip cancellation coverage up to 100%
• Trip interruption protection up to 150%
• $1,250 in travel delay coverage ($300 per day)
• $1,500 in protection for missed connections
• Emergency accident and sickness coverage up to $250,000
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $1 million
• Nonmedical emergency evacuation coverage up to $100,000
• $50,000 in accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• Baggage and personal item coverage up to $3,000
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $600

Comes with enhanced medical and luggage benefits, protections for cruise ship disablement, and more

Cruise delay coverage kicks in after five hours

Baggage delay coverage is only for $200 and doesn't kick in for 24 hours

No option to purchase CFAR coverage

• Up to $75,000 in protection for emergency medical care
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage worth up to $750,000
• Cruise cancellation coverage for 100% of trip cost up to $25,000 per person
• Cruise interruption coverage for 150% of trip cost up to $37,500 per person
• Cruise delay coverage worth up to $1,000 ($200 per day for delays of five hours or more)
• Missed connection coverage worth up to $500 (for delay of three hours or more)
• Cruise ship disablement coverage worth up to $500
• Up to $1,500 in coverage for baggage and personal effects

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered international travel, travel insurance and cruises for more than a decade. Johnson has researched and compared all the top travel insurance options for her own family for trips to more than 50 countries, some of which have included cruises all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg – a travel agent who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

You might also be interested in:

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

Holly Johnson

Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations.

How Much Does a Cruise Cost in 2024?

Gwen Pratesi

Use this guide to learn more about cruise pricing and how to figure out the total cost of a cruise.

Cruise Packing List: The Essentials Chosen by Experts

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross

This cruise packing list includes all of the essentials – plus items you didn't know you needed.

The 12 Best All-Inclusive Cruises for 2024

When most of the extra costs are paid before you sail, you can truly enjoy your cruise.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

Smooth Sailing Ahead: Your Guide to Cruise Travel Insurance [2023]

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

88 Published Articles 499 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 4 U.S. States Visited: 23

88 Published Articles 69 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 54 U.S. States Visited: 36

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3208 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

The 5 best cruise travel insurance policies, what is cruise insurance, is cruise insurance worth it, cruise insurance costs, what cruise insurance covers, how to get cruise insurance, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Taking a cruise is one of the easiest ways to travel, but cruising isn’t immune to unexpected hiccups. Sudden illness, travel delays, or other unforeseen events could cancel or interrupt your cruising plans — you might even need medical coverage. 

With cruise insurance, you’re covered for unexpected issues that can interfere with your travel plans . Read on to learn what cruise insurance is, how to get it, and how to find the best cruise insurance policies, whether you’re buying directly from the cruise line or a third-party insurance company.

The right cruise insurance policy offers the coverage you need at a good price, but policies aren’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve run quotes for various coverage scenarios — from seniors to adventure tours — to find the best cruise insurance policies . 

Consider these travel insurance policies for your next cruise:

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners

Seniors cruising the world can get comprehensive coverage from Seven Corners Travel Insurance . We were quoted $89 for a 70-year-old cruising Mexico . The Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic policy offers trip cancellation and interruption, medical coverage, and medical evacuation, along with COVID-19 cancellation and medical coverage.

Comprehensive travel insurance, regardless of your age, is widely available and relatively affordable. Check out our complete guide to travel insurance for seniors .

Best Cruise Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage: battleface

If you’re concerned about COVID-19 derailing your cruise travel plans, getting cruise travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is essential. The battleface Discovery Plan covers COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses, along with regular trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and medical emergency coverage. We were quoted $36.54 for a 35-year-old cruising Italy on this plan.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Young Travelers: Aegis

Young travelers often have the lowest-priced travel insurance policies. We got a quote for just $30.27 from Aegis for a 22-year-old cruising the Bahamas . The Aegis Go Ready Choice policy covers COVID-19 medical and cancellation, trip cancellation and interruption, medical evacuation, and medical expenses.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Adventure Tours: IMG

Are you planning adventurous excursions on your cruise? IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite , with options for winter, adventure, and extreme sports, can give you the coverage you need. We were quoted $58.87 for a 40-year-old traveler cruising to Costa Rica with plans to zipline . It covers trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, medical evacuation, and adventure sports with some exclusions, such as diving and adventure races.

Your travel insurance might not cover everything you want to do — particularly if you plan on adventure activities. Here’s our complete guide to adventure and extreme sports travel insurance .

Best Cruise Travel Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Coverage: John Hancock Insurance Agency

If you’re especially concerned you may need to cancel your cruise, Cancel for Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel your trip and receive partial reimbursement for nonrefundable trip expenses, even if you cancel for reasons not normally covered by trip cancellation coverage. We were quoted $100.50 for a 55-year-old cruising Alaska for John Hancock Insurance Agency’s Silver plan , which reimburses up to 75% of your trip cost under Cancel for Any Reason coverage. It also offers coverage for COVID-19 medical and cancellation, trip cancellation and interruption, and medical expenses and evacuation with primary coverage.

Cruise insurance is travel insurance that covers cruises . It can help you manage all the what-ifs on your cruise. What if you need to cancel your booking? What if your flight is late? What if you get sick or hurt? Travel insurance for cruises can cover you for all of these things. 

Many travel insurance policies cover cruises, but cruise insurance may be tailored to the risks of cruises, covering transportation, accommodations, and activities. Getting travel insurance for cruises can offer peace of mind if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable trip payments, travel delays, or covering emergency medical care.

Cruise bookings can be unforgiving, and cruise insurance can help you minimize your risk of losing the money you’ve paid for your trip. Travel insurance coverage is often a good idea if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses or covering emergency medical expenses . 

Because cruises are often less flexible than other types of travel, it’s generally a good idea to get cruise travel insurance. For example, you might be able to rebook a flight or hotel room, but if you cancel your cruise, you could lose your deposit or more. Often, cruise lines won’t offer any refunds if you cancel within a certain period before your cruise, such as 14 or 30 days .

Additionally, you shouldn’t expect your U.S.-based health insurance plan to cover you on your cruise, especially if you’re on an international cruise. And it’s exceptionally expensive if you need to be evacuated for a medical condition.

While everyone hopes for smooth sailing, the reality is a lot of unexpected issues could pop up on your cruise. Your flight to the cruise port could be delayed, you might get sick or injured on your cruise, or you might have to cancel the whole thing if illness or obligations prevent you from going on your cruise. A hurricane could interfere with cruising in storm hotspots such as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. 

Cruise insurance can offer financial support for many unexpected problems you might experience with a cruise. And with a 24-hour travel assistance hotline , you can get knowledgeable help whether you need to find a local pharmacy or coordinate the replacement of lost travel documents such as your passport.

That said, you might have travel insurance coverage available with a credit card . Some credit cards offer travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical treatment and evacuation, and travel delay coverage. Still, you should check the details of your credit card’s coverage to ensure it’s enough for your needs. 

Looking for a credit card with travel protections? Read our guide to the best credit cards for travel insurance coverage and protection.

Generally, expect cruise insurance to cost between 5% to 10% of the total cost of your cruise . For a $3,000 cruise, you’ll typically pay between $150 to $300 for comprehensive travel insurance coverage. But keep in mind several factors influence the cost of cruise insurance, including:

• Add-ons, such as CFAR 
• Coverage options 
• Cruise cost 
• Deductibles and limits 
• Destination 
• Group policies 
• Traveler age 
• Trip duration

Learn more about travel insurance costs in our guide to the average cost of travel insurance .

Each travel insurance policy is unique, but travel insurance for cruise coverage typically includes:

• 24/7 Assistance: You can get 24/7 support for itinerary changes, rebooking, medical emergencies, and more.
• Baggage Protection: Your luggage is covered for loss, theft, or damage on your flight or during your cruise.
• Cabin Confinement: You may get reimbursement if you have to stay in your cabin during your cruise, such as a required quarantine due to COVID-19.
• Cancel for Any Reason: Usually available as an add-on, CFAR travel insurance allows you to cancel your cruise for any reason and receive a partial reimbursement of your nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Itinerary Changes: You can get covered for changes in your cruise’s itinerary, missed port calls, or extended delays beyond your control.
• Missed Connections: If you miss your cruise departure due to a flight delay or other covered reason, you can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical Emergencies: Cruise insurance can cover medical treatment on the cruise and may offer coverage for medical evacuation.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: You can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses if you cancel your cruise or end your trip early due to covered reasons such as illness or injury. You’re typically covered if the cruise line cancels due to mechanical issues, weather, or other unforeseen events.

Cruise-specific travel insurance may also offer reimbursement if your cruise ship is disabled. And if you want to cover shore excursions, be sure to include the cost of excursions in your total travel cost when you get quotes for cruise insurance.

While these coverage types are common among cruise insurance policies, checking the terms and conditions to confirm all coverage areas is a good idea.

Types of Cruise Insurance

There are many options for travel insurance, and you can generally choose as little or as much coverage as you’d like. You can opt for a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which may offer Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, or you might prefer to limit your costs and choose just the coverage you need. For example, you might choose standalone trip cancellation insurance or a travel medical insurance policy but decide you don’t need coverage for missed connections or baggage.

What To Look for in a Cruise Travel Insurance Policy

Consider these factors as you compare the best cruise travel insurance policies:

• Cancellation Window: Understand how many days before your cruise departure you must cancel to qualify for reimbursement.
• Coverage Availability: Travel insurance policies typically offer cruise coverage, but it’s best to confirm that a policy specifically covers cruises before you purchase it. Also, consider availability for coverages that may be important to you, such as CFAR or adventure sports. 
• Customer Reviews and Reputation: You can get insight into the insurance provider and how claims and customer service work by reading customer reviews and ratings.
• Eligibility Criteria: Cruise insurance policies may have eligibility criteria such as limits on age or trip duration and preexisting conditions. For example, some travel insurance policies max out at 90 days.
• Exclusions and Limitations: Read the policy to understand what’s excluded or limited specifically to cruise-related coverage, such as reimbursements for port closures, itinerary changes, or medical incidents on the cruise.
• Policy Cost: Get multiple quotes and compare each cost and coverage value to ensure you get a good value for your cruise insurance policy.
• Purchase Timeline: You’ll usually need to purchase your cruise insurance within a certain period of booking your trip, so be sure you’re buying your policy within that timeframe.
• Reimbursement Structure: Review the cruise insurance policy to confirm how much you can be reimbursed for under qualifying circumstances, such as if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip.

You can buy cruise insurance from the cruise line when you book, or a travel agent may offer cruise insurance plans. You also have the option to purchase cruise trip insurance independently. It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes to compare your costs and coverage and get the best deal on cruise insurance.

You should buy cruise insurance when you make your first deposit so you’re immediately covered for trip cancellation. Here are some of the options and coverages if you purchase cruise insurance directly from the cruise line:

Before you purchase cruise insurance from a cruise line, compare your third-party options. You can get quotes from multiple travel insurance companies at once using a travel insurance aggregator such as Squaremouth .

Even a meticulously planned cruise can run into unforeseen disruptions — and cruise insurance can come in handy for the unexpected.

Cruise insurance covers you for sudden illnesses, travel delays, and more, offering financial protection so you’re safeguarded against uncertainties. Whether you get cruise insurance from the cruise line or third–party insurance providers, understand your coverage and how it protects your investment in cruise travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my health insurance cover me on a cruise.

Some health insurance policies offer limited coverage on cruises, but coverage often depends on where you’re cruising and your planned activities. Check with your insurance provider about coverage before you depart on your cruise. Find out if supplemental cruise insurance is available if you want to use your existing health insurance coverage.

Are cruises covered under travel insurance?

Cruises are typically covered under travel insurance , so you don’t necessarily have to buy specialized cruise insurance, such as coverage from the cruise line. Travel insurance can cover trip cancellations and interruptions, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more on your cruise trip.

Can you buy cruise insurance after booking?

You can buy cruise insurance after booking. It’s generally best to purchase cruise insurance as soon as possible after making your initial trip deposit — when you have money on the line. The sooner you purchase cruise insurance, the sooner you’re covered for trip cancellations.

Can you buy medical insurance for a cruise?

You can buy medical travel insurance to cover your medical expenses on a cruise, offering coverage such as medical emergencies, illnesses, and injuries.

How do I add travel insurance to my cruise?

You can add travel insurance to your cruise when you book with the cruise line or a travel agent. Alternatively, you can purchase travel insurance directly from travel insurance agencies.

Was this page helpful?

About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the  latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's  privacy policy   and  terms of service   apply.

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

The 5 best cruise travel insurance plans

While smooth sailing will always be the aim, cruising today is often about expecting the unexpected. You can prepare yourself by taking out an insurance policy that can compensate you when your vacation at sea does not go as planned.

Need to cancel your trip last minute due to an accident or illness? Did your bags get delayed or lost? Do you need to exit the sailing early to take care of an emergency back home? Was there a mechanical issue with the ship that required a change of itinerary, causing you to miss your flight home?

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

All of these contingencies and more can be covered; it's just a matter of finding the best insurance policy for you. Here's how to evaluate which plan is the right choice for you, as well as five of the best cruise travel insurance plans available.

The best cruise travel insurance plan will always be a 3rd-party option

No plan will meet the needs of all cruise travelers, so there is little benefit to booking the one insurance option recommended by your cruise line during the booking process other than convenience.

You'll often find more affordable rates, comprehensive coverage and favorable terms utilizing third-party insurance companies. You'll have a wide choice of plans, so you can pick the one that works the best for your situation.

If you're wondering where the best place is to purchase third-party insurance, "No one comparison site is getting preferential deals," says Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com . "Insurance carriers' rates are the same anywhere." However, these insurance comparison sites can help you directly compare the pricing and coverage of multiple policies by a range of preferred providers.

Look for the following coverage options and compare coverage amounts to determine which third-party plan is the best cruise insurance option for your upcoming trip.

Related: Cruise travel insurance: What it covers and why you need it

Trip cancellation

You'll want to be reimbursed if an unexpected event forces you to cancel your cruise. Be sure to read the fine print of your policy, detailing which specific reasons for canceling your trip are covered and not covered.

Trip interruption and travel delays

You'll also want to be covered if issues occur after travel begins. It's important to find "a plan that offers trip interruption if something does happen during your trip, along with a plan that offers emergency medical evacuation, coverage for travel delays and missed connection benefits," adds insurance expert Meghan Walch from InsureMyTrip .

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise

COVID-19 contingencies

Walch advises all travelers booking a cruise to consider a plan that includes cancellation coverage for COVID-19. Note that you'll need more than a home test to file a claim. According to Walch, "You'll need a doctor saying that you have been diagnosed with COVID and specify that you are unable to travel."

In addition, look for coverage if you get sick and need to isolate away from home. "Some plans offer additional trip delay coverage, put in place as a result of needing additional or higher limits for instances that might include if the policyholder gets quarantined in a location," Sandberg adds.

Cancel for any reason

A cancel-for-any-reason optional upgrade offers the most flexibility. You can get a refund of up to 75% if you cancel your voyage for reasons not usually covered by travel insurance. However, it adds about 40% to your premium and can only be purchased within a limited window of time after your cruise purchase.

Related: What happens if my cruise line changes my itinerary or ship?

Lost or delayed baggage

Baggage loss insurance covers your luggage if it is lost, damaged or stolen during your trip. In the case that you make it on the cruise and your bags do not, the insurance agency can assist with locating and redirecting the bags to your next port, reimbursing you for items you may need to purchase to get you through your travels while you are without your belongings and covering your losses in the case that the bag is actually gone for good.

Note that certain high-cost items such as electronics, luxury watches and fine jewelry are not always covered by baggage loss insurance. Consider purchasing additional coverage for such items or — better yet — keep those items with you at all times.

Health coverage

Medical coverage is another consideration. "Most domestic health coverage [including Medicare] does not cover travel abroad, so it is important to look at a travel insurance policy that offers medical coverage during your trip, just in case anything happens," says Walch. "If you fall ill or are injured during the trip, it can be pretty expensive – even when going to the ship's onboard medical facility."

Related: How to avoid getting sick on a cruise

Hurricane coverage

Extreme weather and hurricanes are typically not covered if the cruise commences as scheduled, though you might be eligible for trip interruption coverage if weather cancels the cruise or cuts the itinerary short. There are also insurance plans that offer trip reimbursement if a destination on your itinerary is under a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-issued hurricane alert or warning.

How much will cruise travel insurance cost?

Insurance pricing is dependent on the trip cost and the age of the insured travelers. Sandberg estimates that "travelers in their 30s or 40s can ballpark insurance coverage somewhere around 5% to 7% of the trip costs, with rates that can get lower depending on the extent of coverage."

Insurance is a tiered product that gets more expensive as you age. "As you get older, that range can expand to 10% of trip costs," notes Sandberg. "Adding bells and whistles, like 'cancel for any reason' [coverage], rates can rise to 11% to 12% of the cost of your trip."

Related: How cruising newbies waste money on their 1st cruise

5 best cruise travel insurance plans

Following extensive research scouring the fine print, we've selected five of the best cruise insurance plans that will appeal to a variety of seagoing travelers.

All five plans provide coverage for COVID-19-related trip cancellation and interruption.

For the leisure cruiser: TravelSafe Classic Plan

TravelSafe's Classic Plan is the best value all-around for the average cruiser, with superior coverage limits at a fair rate.

This plan's coverage includes an impressive $1 million per person for medical evacuation and a high $2,500 coverage limit for bag loss. You have extra time – 21 days – from your initial deposit to add a cancel-for-any-reason upgrade to your plan. The accident and sickness medical coverage is primary, with coverage up to $100,000.

The policy's $750-maximum trip delay coverage begins after a six-hour delay and includes kennel fees for up to $100 per day, along with coverage for additional meal and accommodation expenses.

For the budget conscious: AXA's Silver Plan

AXA's Silver Plan is the company's entry-level offering, with more value added than most budget insurance options — most notably the company's concierge service. Coverage under this plan includes robust trip cancellation and interruption coverage, both at 100% of the costs, along with $100,000 for emergency medical evacuation.

The plan also offers identity theft assistance in case your wallet or passport gets stolen while traveling, assisting with filing and obtaining police and credit reports, taking inventory of lost or stolen items, and even wiring emergency funds to you when you're really in a bind.

You won't have the option to purchase a cancel-for-any-reason add-on or opt in for a collision damage waiver on this lowest-tier plan.

For the luxury cruise traveler: John Hancock's Gold Plan

John Hancock's Gold Plan offers robust medical evacuation and repatriation coverage up to $1 million per person, ideal for those luxury cruises that rove to the farthest reaches of the globe. The plan has excellent baggage loss coverage at up to $2,500 per person, along with a low three-hour minimum travel delay ($1,000 per person, $200 daily limit) benefit.

Preexisting medical conditions are covered by this policy, though you must purchase your policy within 14 days of your trip deposit.

For increased medical coverage: Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice Plan

Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice Plan offers primary medical coverage for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses up to $500,000, while many other plans only offer secondary coverage. The plan's medical evacuation coverage is high at $1 million, and preexisting conditions are covered with a few conditions that apply, namely that you purchase the policy within 20 days of your initial trip payment.

The policy also offers detailed, robust COVID-19 coverage, including reimbursement for medical care if you contract COVID-19 while traveling. Its coverage also includes meals, local transportation and lodging if you're delayed six or more consecutive hours due to quarantining with COVID-19.

Coverage options on the plan may vary slightly depending on which U.S. state you claim as your residence.

For the adventurous cruiser: World Nomads' Explorer Plan

World Nomads is one of the few insurance companies that will cover more than 200 adventure activities on your travels, including scuba diving, skydiving and bungee jumping. The coverage for the long list of activities includes emergency medical expenses while outside the U.S., medical evacuation and repatriation, along with trip interruption.

World Nomads' Explorer Plan also offers $25,000 in coverage for nonmedical emergency evacuation for covered events, such as a natural disaster or political or security situations.

Travelers 70 and older are required to add a "Silver Nomads" policy, offered through TripAssure.

Bottom line

Cruising isn't always a blissful week spent relaxing on the pool deck or snorkeling among multicolored reefs. Mishaps occur, whether it's losing luggage, missing a flight or falling ill.

The best cruise insurance policies are the ones that won't let you sail without a safety net, charging a fraction of your trip expenses in exchange for the peace of mind that there's a plan in place should something go wrong. With a range of pricing and coverage options available, you can feel confident that you can find a policy to suit your travel needs.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

All Your Questions About Cruise Travel Insurance, Answered

By Elissa Garay

Rarely does real life make its way into our fantasies of a dream vacation : palm trees swaying in the breeze, expertly plated meals served at whim, toes pointed toward the horizon on a sun-soaked day at sea. That vision doesn't factor in missed flights, lost bags, or medical mishaps. But life has a way of getting in the way, even when you’re trying to get away from it all. Add in an unexpected curveball like the coronavirus pandemic (and the disease it causes: COVID-19)—which has effectively wiped out cruising, for the near future, at least—and things get even more complicated.

In most instances, you can buy peace of mind in the form of a well-tailored cruise travel insurance policy, which industry experts say is nearly always a smart bet. Not only does coverage insure your financial investment in the case of a hiccup, but it can also help with access to quality medical care on the road, as well as reimbursement for any unforeseen expenses that may pop up in the face of such scenarios. In this primer on travel insurance for cruises, we break down everything you need to know so you can pick up a policy with ease—and then get back to planning your eventual lounge on the lido deck.

What does cruise travel insurance cover?

“A cruise vacation has so many moving parts, including the sheer number of destinations you visit, flights, and hotels bookings. Things can go wrong after you’ve made that final deposit, and without travel insurance, you’d likely lose that payment,” says Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of cruise review and community site Cruise Critic .

While specific policies vary in their coverage—you’ll need to review the fine print carefully before you buy—most offer recourse for commonly encountered issues like the need to cancel a trip (for approved reasons like your traveling companion falling ill, or the involuntary loss of your job) or trip delays and interruptions. “If you miss your initial embarkation of a cruise due to a flight delay or a weather event, such as a hurricane or winter storm , travel insurance could help cover the costs of you getting to the next port of call, so you can join your cruise,” says James Page, senior vice president and chief administrative officer of AIG Travel, whose subsidiaries sell policies designed to cover cruisers.

Other potential problems might include the airline losing your checked bags , getting pickpocketed in port, the cruise line canceling your sailing due to weather or mechanical issues—or, as we’ve seen of late, due to not being able to run itineraries in areas affected by the coronavirus. While the cruise line would almost certainly pay out a refund in cases of cancellation or major itinerary changes, other prepaid expenses not purchased through the line directly, such as flights or hotel nights, would be on your dime without a qualifying policy in place. “The biggest tip is to make yourself aware of exactly what your plan will cover prior to purchasing,” McDaniel says.

Weather is not covered unless it results in the cancellation of or significant interruption to the cruise. McDaniel says that you won’t get a refund if the scheduled ports visited on a cruise itinerary are changed due to bad weather. “Skipped ports would not be covered by travel insurance,” she says, in cases of inclement weather.

How is the coronavirus affecting travel insurance?

When it comes to coronavirus , it’s important to know that circumstances like epidemics and pandemics are not typically listed as covered events under most standard cancellation policies. Also worth noting: Preemptively canceling a trip out of fear for your health and safety is never part of a standard policy. Accordingly, while some insurers honored claims associated with the onset of the epidemic, almost none are paying out trip cancellation claims for travel or policies booked after late January (with specific cutoff dates ranging between January 21 and January 27, according to travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth). This is owed to the rationale that once the outbreak became a known event, risk is assumed by the would-be travelers who book.

“However, there are now some providers who do not consider contracting the virus as foreseen, even during a global pandemic like the coronavirus outbreak,” says Kasara Barto, public relations manager for Squaremouth. “In this case, trip cancellation benefits can still apply if a traveler contracts the virus or is physically quarantined and unable to travel as planned."

Economic-woe scenarios, like having to cancel if you are laid off from your job, or if a travel supplier should declare bankruptcy, are typically covered under standard plans. Squaremouth notes, however, that coronavirus-prompted impacts like travel bans and border closures are not usually covered by standard policies, nor are cases of cruise lines canceling a scheduled sailing (in which case, the cruise companies themselves would be expected to pick up the tab for reimbursement, or to offer a voucher for future travel).

Because of these exclusions, industry experts advise that a “cancel for any reason” policy upgrade will offer some level of protection even if your reason for canceling is based on fear of travel alone. With this more expensive insurance, you must meet criteria like purchasing your policy within a set time frame (typically within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit) and you must also cancel your trip at least two days in advance of departure.

Keep in mind, too, that down the road, in the post-coronavirus world, industry insiders forecast that new virus-related policy inclusions will become part of standard policies. “Similar to how the September 11 attacks led to terrorism coverage to be offered standard on most travel insurance policies, we anticipate that the COVID-19 pandemic will lead the travel insurance industry to offer more policies that include coverage for pandemics, which may cover things like CDC alerts, travel advisories, and stay-at-home orders,” Barto says.

Insurance and medical incidents

Beyond trip cancellation, medical incidents while traveling present another major need for coverage, since it’s unlikely that your regular health insurance covers such expenses abroad. Most ships have onboard doctors, but visiting them isn’t cheap nor is emergency medical evacuation in the case of more serious illnesses or injuries. “Without [insurance], your out-of-pocket costs could be astronomical,” McDaniel says.

Matt Ortile

Scott Laird

Siobhan Reid

Meaghan Kenny

Page of AIG Travel agrees. “Even a short weekend cruise could turn costly if a traveler has an accident or becomes ill, and requires emergency medical treatment or a medical evacuation from sea,” he says, pointing out that travelers are more prone to injury since they often take risks on vacations—like jet-skiing or hiking on unfamiliar terrain —that they might not take back home. “It’s important to ensure the policy you purchase covers the things you may need, such as pre-existing medical conditions or adventure activities,” Page says.

Specific to the coronavirus, should you contract the virus while cruising, “medical coverage availability will vary per travel insurance provider,” Barto says, noting that a half-dozen insurers were offering such medical coverage as of press time. “While some providers are still providing medical benefits for newly purchased policies, others are only covering medical expenses related to the coronavirus to insureds who bought a policy prior to the outbreak.” Coverage in regards to scenarios like being denied boarding (for registering a fever at port or having recently traveled to a high-risk destination for COVID-19, for instance) or being placed in mandatory quarantines likewise can vary by insurer.

Orlando —based travel agent Kelley Lord is an avid cruiser, with nearly 40 cruises under her belt, and she has taken out a policy for every one of them. It’s proven to be a smart strategy: In 2017 alone, her family had to cancel three separate cruises at the last minute, due to medical issues. “We had a 17-night, port-intensive cruise and Europe trip planned for early June that included expensive flights, prepaid excursions, hotels, and the cruise fare,” she says of one incident. “My husband tore up both of his knees in late May playing kickball at the company picnic and had to have double knee surgery. There was no way we could make the trip.” Thankfully, in that and the other two instances that followed that year, “we filed with our travel insurance and were able to recoup most of the cost of the trip,” she says.

Where to buy cruise travel insurance

While cruise lines usually offer their own insurance policies, experts advise looking instead to an independent, third-party insurer. “Travel insurance policies from independent insurers tend to be more comprehensive than those you might purchase through a cruise line,” McDaniel says. “Cruise line insurance is usually secondary coverage, meaning you’ll first need to file through any private insurance policies [like homeowner’s or renter's] that you have before your travel insurance will kick in. This could mean needing to pay out-of-pocket to start.”

Adds Page: “The advantage of purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy through an insurance provider like Travel Guard is that the comprehensive plans may offer additional benefits, such as emergency medical evacuation, which may not be available under protection plans offered through cruise lines.”

In addition, cruise line insurance can be more limited than you might expect. “Travelers who purchase the cruise line’s policy can only insure expenses purchased directly through that cruise line," says Jenna Hummer, former director of public relations for Squaremouth. "Any outside airfare or expenses would be forfeited in the event of a cancellation.”

You can pick up a policy from your travel agent directly through a reputed individual insurance provider (like AIG Travel Guard or Allianz), or via an insurance comparison site that lets you compare plans from various insurers (like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip).

How much does cruise travel insurance cost?

The cost of a standard policy is calculated as a percentage of your overall vacation expenses—generally anywhere from 5 to 10 percent of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost, according to data provided by Squaremouth. “The premium varies by policy and provider, depending on three primary factors: total trip cost, age of travelers, and length of travel,” Hummer says. “Older travelers taking long, expensive cruises will most likely be paying more for the same policy as a younger traveler taking a cheaper trip.”

According to Squaremouth, “cancel for any reason” benefits will typically increase a policy’s premium by roughly 40 percent over the cost of a standard policy, and will only cover a portion (up to 75 percent) of the total trip cost’s reimbursement.

When to buy cruise travel insurance

Experts say to buy your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your cruise —that will give you the biggest window of protection should anything arise before you set sail. Hummer says that coverage for preexisting medical conditions is sometimes available at no additional cost from independent insurers—but only if you purchase that policy within 14 to 30 days of your first trip payment.

Remember that you can’t purchase a policy after an event transpires that leads to a claim (say, after you get into an accident and break your leg), but you can purchase standard insurance plans as late as 24 hours in advance of your scheduled departure. As noted before, "cancel for any reason" policies typically must be purchased within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit.

Though you may never use the insurance you purchase, should an issue pop up, the investment can prove to be of great benefit, both economically and psychologically. Lord says, from experience, “You never know when you will need it, but if you do, you will be so grateful that you have it.”

This story was last published in March 2020. It has been updated with new information.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Is Cruise Travel Insurance Worth the Cost?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What is cruise travel insurance?

What does cruise travel insurance cover typically, how much is travel insurance for a cruise, do i need it if i have other travel protections, is cruise travel insurance worth it.

Cruise travel insurance covers the cruise itself, not related travel.

It's usually purchased through the cruise operator, typically before booking.

Check to make sure your credit card doesn't offer similar insurance before buying cruise insurance.

Cruising is one of America's favorite travel experiences. According to a 2021 report from Cruise Lines International Association, an industry trade association, 82% of cruisers will cruise again. As well, 62% of non-cruisers are open to the idea.

And why not? Cruises often give travelers the chance to experience multiple destinations plus enjoy onboard entertainment, activities and dining for a set, all-inclusive price . Cruises simplify budgeting in a year when travel prices have been hard hit by inflation .

But what happens if something goes wrong with your ship, or you can’t make it onboard because of health concerns? Cruise travel insurance might be the answer. It protects your payment and covers you against illness or injury.

Before you pay for a cruise travel insurance policy, here's a look at what it is, how it works and if it's worth it.

Cruise travel insurance is add-on insurance coverage that — just like travel insurance — will reimburse you for delays, interruptions, medical situations or other problems during the cruise.

Depending on which cruise line you're traveling with, you might be able to buy a travel insurance policy when booking your trip (through the cruise line directly) or at a later date (either through the cruise line or separately from a third party).

Protecting travel costs can be a smart money move. A September 2022 survey of 737 past cruisers by InsureMyTrip found that the average trip cost for an insured cruise vacation so far this year is $6,367, an increase of nearly 15% from before the pandemic.

Can you buy travel insurance after booking a cruise? It depends. Some cruise lines require the purchase of a travel insurance policy before the final payment date when charges become nonrefundable. Others require the purchase of coverage a certain number of days before departure. Read the fine print to find out the deadline to purchase and the specifics of its coverage.

Circumstances covered by cruise travel insurance vary by policy and by issuer. Many cruise lines partner with an insurance company to underwrite its policy benefits.

Some common benefits available as part of travel insurance from a cruise line include:

Trip cancellation and interruption . If you cancel your trip or unexpectedly cut it short for an eligible reason, such as severe weather or illness, you'll get back some or all of the upfront costs, depending on the policy.

Cancel For Any Reason . This coverage tends to be more flexible, forgiving and expensive at time of purchase. Policyholders can cancel for any reason not listed in the policy and still receive a portion of their trip cost back, either as cash or as a future cruise credit (assuming they meet other eligibility requirements).

Trip delay . Cruise delay insurance protection protects expenses if your trip is delayed beyond a set number of hours.

Baggage protection . This insures your luggage if it is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed, and gives money to buy necessary items until bags are recovered.

Medical coverage . If you get sick or injured during the trip, the policy covers treatment and related expenses up to a limit.

Emergency evacuation . When emergency evacuation is necessary, the policy covers the transport cost up to a limit.

COVID coverage . If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to COVID, the policy covers the unused prepaid expenses, medical treatment and emergency evacuation, up to policy limits.

When comparing policies, choose a policy that includes all of the benefits, protections and coverage limits that are important to you. While you may be tempted to choose the lowest-priced option, that policy may not have the coverage you need.

We examined cruise insurance prices for a seven-day trip in February 2023 from the U.S. to Mexico. The example traveler was 35 years old, from Georgia, and planned to spend $2,500 on the trip, including airfare.

The average price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $124. These policies didn't include optional add-ons, such as Cancel for Any Reason coverage or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions .

Separately, we looked at five different cruise insurance add-ons for a similar trip. With this option, the average cost of basic coverage was cheaper than a standalone policy at $111.20. Keep in mind that cruise insurance policies offered by cruise lines typically cover the cruise portion of the trip only, but do include some Cancel For Any Reason coverage.

If you already have a standalone travel insurance policy or a credit card with travel protections, you may wonder if you need to purchase a cruise travel insurance policy.

Credit card travel insurance

Many travel credit cards include travel protections such as trip cancellation, interruption, delayed or lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency evacuation benefits. Before buying a cruise travel policy, compare the coverage benefits and limits to determine if you already have coverage with a credit card.

One benefit that cruise travel insurance policies offer that credit cards don't is the ability to cancel for any reason. Although you may not get back 100% of the cruise price, these policies allow you to cancel for any reason and get a portion of the price back as a credit toward a future trip. If the policy is priced low enough, it may be worth buying the insurance offered through your cruise line for that benefit alone.

Travel insurance policy

Standalone travel insurance policies can be purchased to cover one person or a family for a specific trip or multiple trips within a period of time. These policies are available at a variety of price points to meet a traveler's budget. When comparing policy options, you can balance price versus coverage options.

If you're traveling multiple times within a short period of time, it may be more economical to buy a more comprehensive travel insurance policy instead of separate policies for each trip.

Cruise travel insurance can be worth it to address your concerns about traveling and protect your investments. These policies offer numerous protections that will cover your expenses in case your trip is canceled, interrupted or delayed, or if you get sick during the trip.

Before buying this coverage, compare your options against your credit card benefits. You might also shop for general travel insurance policies to see if you can get a better deal than what’s offered through your cruise line.

If you’re not covered by your credit card, cruise travel insurance can be worth the added cost. It will give you peace of mind before setting sail, when signing up for that adventurous land excursion and when clicking "Book" for an expensive vacation in the COVID travel landscape.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova; North Korea; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

Protect your cruise with the insurance 70 million+ Americans trust

If you were referred by a travel agent, enter the ACCAM number provided by your agent.

{{travelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

{{annualTravelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

Type the country where you will be spending the most amount of time.

Age of Traveler

Ages: {{quote.travelers_ages}}

Travel Dates

{{quote.travel_dates ? quote.travel_dates : "Departure - Return" | formatDates}}

Plan Start Date

{{quote.start_date ? quote.start_date : "Date"}}

Travel Insurance for Cruises

When experienced cruisers are about to set sail, they choose Allianz Travel Insurance to protect their cruise. Why? Because when you’re at sea, small mishaps quickly become major problems. Travel insurance can help make things right.

If the ship sails without you because your flight to Miami was delayed, travel delay benefits can help you catch up. If you break your leg and have to cancel your trip, the cruise line won't reimburse you—but travel insurance can. And if you suffer a medical crisis on board, travel insurance can cover your evacuation and emergency medical care.

Here’s the best part: Allianz Travel Insurance is much more than cruise travel insurance. Our plans can protect your flights, hotel stays, cruise excursions, and just about any other kind of travel. Learn about the options and insure your next cruise, so you can leave your worries at the dock.

Share this Page

• {{errorMsgSendSocialEmail}}

Featured Article

Cruise Line Insurance Plan Comparison

Every cruise line offers some kind of protection plan to it passengers. Should you buy it?...

{{articlePreview.snippet}} Read More

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

Return To Log In

Your session has expired. We are redirecting you to our sign-in page.

Travel Insurance. Stay worry-free at sea.

There’s nothing like a cruise to feed the soul and broaden the mind. And nothing like the unexpected to put a dampener on your plans.

With over 30 years’ experience in travel insurance, covering more than 3.8 million journeys every year, cover-more is the perfect travel (and cruising) companion. cover-more helps you explore the world with confidence by ensuring you are covered for general medical expenses overseas, existing medical conditions, hospitalisation and medical evacuations~., if something goes wrong, you want expert help fast so you can keep travelling., travel insurance for all your cruising needs, budget plan.

• Our most affordable insurance especially for cruises
• On-trip cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19*
• Up to $5 million of emergency overseas medical expenses~*
• Missed cruise departure cover
• Amendment or cancellation costs*

Comprehensive Plan

• On-trip cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 (including cabin confinement)*
• Up to $10 million of overseas emergency medical expenses~*
• Missed cruise departure, port and connections cover*
• Up to $8,000 luggage cover⬩
• Amendment or cancellation costs^
• Existing medical conditions cover available.

(To ensure your Existing Medical Condition is covered, read page 21 of the PDS )

Premium Plan

• Pre-trip cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19#*
• $Unlimited overseas emergency medical expenses~*
• Up to $15,000 luggage cover⬩
• Amendment or cancellation costs^*

~Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition or injury. To ensure your Existing Medical Condition is covered, read page 21 of the PDS .  ^Cover chosen applies per policy. Read page 14 of the PDS for more information.  *Sub-limits apply. Read the PDS for more information.  #If you bought the policy within the 21 days before your scheduled trip departure date, we will only cover the travel costs that you paid for in the 48 hour period before buying your policy and after buying this policy. ⬩ Sub-limits and item limits apply. You may wish to increase these items limits, read the PDS for more information.

Doing more than relaxing?

If you plan on participating in sports such as scuba diving or parasailing, a premium may apply..

Special Note For New Caledonia

Guests traveling on a South Pacific cruise that calls on New Caledonia must hold a valid international travel insurance policy and present printed proof of this travel insurance at time of check-in. Guests may also be requested to present it during the cruise. Any guest who is unable to provide proof of holding suitable travel insurance will be denied boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all domestic cruise ships have access to a Medicare accessible doctor on board. If you need to see a GP while on a domestic cruise, the cost won’t be covered by Medicare in these cases and – you may have to pay for it yourself in full.

At Cover-More, we can provide cover for these expenses when you tell us you are travelling on a cruise for two or more nights (except for river cruises within Australia). An additional premium will need to be paid and cruise cover benefits will then be available on your policy.

When generating a Cover-More travel insurance quote – the first step in buying our cover – you will be asked if you are travelling on a cruise for two or more nights (except for river cruises in Australia). An additional premium will be applied to your policy and the cruise cover benefits will be available once the premium is paid and the Certificate of Insurance issued.

To buy cover for a domestic cruise in Australia, select “Domestic Cruise” as the destination in the quote box, and answer the cruise question when prompted. To buy cover for an international cruise, select the country or region or “Anywhere in the World” as your destination, and answer the cruise question when prompted. Before protecting your trip with our Cover-More cruise insurance benefits, please read the PDS  to ensure our product is right for you.

No. For cruise cover to apply, your travel insurance policy must include our Cruise Cover and must be purchased before you leave home. This also includes before you catch any flights or transportation required to get to your departing port.

Our Cruise Cover benefit includes cover for onboard emergency medical and dental expenses and ship-to-shore medical expenses incurred by travellers on multi-night cruises. If you fall ill with COVID-19 while on board a cruise, we can help you financially and provide emergency assistance support if required.

For more information on what is and isn’t covered regarding COVID-19 while you’re on a multi-night cruise, please read the PDS . For Cover-More’s COVID-19 FAQs you can read here .

If for some reason you change your mind about your insurance purchase, Cover-More policies give you peace of mind by offering a ‘cooling off period’ of 21 days. During this time, you can obtain a full refund if you haven’t made a claim and your departure date has not passed. If you need to cancel your policy, please phone  1300 72 88 22

Your claim will be managed by Cover-More. You can make a claim online  or call Cover-More, 8am-5pm Mon – Fri and 9am-4pm Sat (Sydney/Melbourne time)

Within Australia: Call Cover-More on 1300 467 951

From overseas: Call Cover-More on +612 8907 5060  (call charges may apply)

For more information, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs website at smartraveller.gov.au.

Disclosure: Carnival Cruise Line has a referral arrangement with Cover-More and may receive a fee or commission if you choose to purchase an insurance product from Cover-More. Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Insurance administered by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713) on behalf of the product issuer, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited [ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Any advice is general advice only. Please consider your financial situation, needs and objectives and read the Combined FSG/PDS before deciding to buy this insurance. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determination for these products, contact Cover-More on 1300 77 88 22

With over 30 years’ experience in travel insurance, covering more than 3.8 million journeys every year, Cover-More is the perfect travel (and cruising) companion.

Travel Insurance You Can Trust

What country are you going to?

Select the Area of travel in which you will spend most time. NOTE: If you are spending more than 20% of your trip time in the Americas Area, it is compulsory to select a destination in the Americas Area for your policy.

If you are quoting a multi-trip policy please select “see region list” and select a destination in the appropriate region. For example United States for Worldwide cover or Spain for European cover.

When are you going?

Please select the departure and return dates for your trip.

For multi-trip policies the departure date will mark the start of your cover and it will automatically run for a year from that date.

Who is travelling?

Simply enter the age of each traveller including Adults and Accompanied Children*. Enter the age they are now.

Only use as many boxes as you have travellers.

*As per the Policy Wording: "Accompanied Children" means Your children or grandchildren plus one non-related child per adult policyholder who are identified on the Certificate of Insurance and travelling with You on the Journey, provided they are not in full-time employment and they are under the age of 21 years at the Relevant Time. If an Accompanied Child is in full time employment then they will need to purchase their own policy.

If you require a policy for more than 6 travellers, please contact Cover-More on (0800) 500 225 as we may still be able to offer cover to you.

Travel Insurance for Your Cruise

Whether you’re planning a cruise to the Pacific Islands, a European river cruise, or sailing through the Caribbean, travel insurance can help protect your trip. At Cover-More, our goal is to provide you with cruise insurance cover to help keep you safe. All Cover-More NZ policies automatically include travel insurance cover for your cruise. Make sure you disclose all of your existing medical conditions to ensure you are aware of what your policy will cover. If you have specific questions, visit our cruise travel insurance cover FAQs page.

Why do I need cruise travel insurance cover?

Cruises are a great way to relax, bask in the sun, and enjoy the sea breeze. So, it may come as a shock if your cruise experience isn’t always smooth sailing. From delayed luggage to falling seasick, it can be difficult to predict what will happen on board. Let alone the money you might not be able to get back if you have to cancel your cruise before you leave home. To enjoy the trip you deserve on your cruise, consider taking out a travel insurance policy with Cover-More to help protect against financial loss.

Optional or included cruise cover 

If you purchase our Options or Essentials plan online, cruise cover is automatically included in your cover. For details on this cover, please read the Policy Wording. 

If you have purchased our YourCover or Essentials plan over the phone, you will need to let us know you’ll be going on a about your cruise during your trip and pay an additional premium to receive access to our full range of cruise-specific benefits. For the full list of benefits and their limits, please read the Policy Wording . 

Our COVID-19 cruise cover

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while on board a multi-night cruise, you’ll have cover for:

• Any on-board emergency medical and dental expenses incurred
• Ship-to-shore medical expenses (if approved by us)

Keep in mind there is no cover for claims arising from cabin confinement claims directly or indirectly caused by COVID-19 (whether you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or not).

Medical costs on board

Our travel insurance policies provide medical cover for usual and customary expenses incurred onboard the ship and if you are offloaded from the ship. Without this cover, you could be out of pocket hundreds or thousands of dollars for a medical incident that happens whilst on a cruise. Claims are subject to review and approval in line with the terms and conditions, limitations, and exclusions set out in the Policy Wording .

One Cover-More customer visited their onboard cruise doctor after a sniffle which developed into influenza. Although quick, the visit resulted in a $700 medical fee. Luckily, they had a Cover-More policy with cruise cover included so we were able to settle their claim.

Emergency evacuations

Cruise travel insurance cover is vital to protect against more serious medical claims. If you’re in the middle of the ocean, it can be expensive to be transported to the nearest hospital.

In 2016, one of our customers fractured their leg on a cruise ship in the South Pacific. The air ambulance cost to bring them back home for surgery totalled $86,000. 

To prepare for your trip with protection against potential medical costs in mind, get a quote online for travel insurance today.

You or your luggage misses the boat

If your ship sets sail without your bags, our delayed luggage cover may be able to help. This cover can reimburse you for any reasonable expenses incurred to replace delayed items. If you want to be insured for more expensive items, you can include these when purchasing.

If you miss the boat due to a delayed connection, our cruise cover benefit may be able to set you on your way again. For example, a group of Cover-More customers missed their cruise because of a delayed flight from Wellington to Auckland. To add to their worries, their luggage still hadn’t arrived by the time they landed in Auckland. By the time they reached the cruise terminal (without their luggage) it was too late to board their cruise. Missing the first segment of their trip, they opted to fly to Vanuatu, where they were able to meet their cruise. We settled their claim for extra travel costs of $1,560.

For more information regarding our delayed luggage cover and benefit limits, read the Policy Wording .

Recover non-refundable expenses

If sudden illness, injury or an unexpected weather event prevents you from experiencing your cruise, travel insurance can help. This includes recovering non-refundable, unused, and prepaid expenses such as deposits or onshore bookings.

One of our customers was about to embark on a cruise to Sydney for their 50th birthday. Sadly, a few months before their trip, they were diagnosed with leukaemia. Advised against long-distance travel while undergoing chemotherapy, they cancelled their cruise immediately. As they purchased adequate cancellation cover and we approved the existing medical conditions they declared, we reimbursed their $1,500 loss of deposit.

Get in touch with us

If you have questions about cruise cover for your next holiday, give us a call on (0800) 500 225 or visit our cruise travel insurance cover FAQs page.

Please wait, generating your policy.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

SET-SAIL WITH CRUISEABOUT'S TRAVEL INSURANCE

GET SUITABLE COVER FOR YOUR HOLIDAY

To ensure your cruise holiday goes as smoothly as possible, Cruiseabout has partnered with Cover-More Travel Insurance (AFSL 241713) to offer you a range of travel insurance policies that will cover you from the moment you book your cruise, until you’re safely back home.

Nobody likes to think about what could go wrong when you’re on holiday, but unfortunate things can happen. And that’s where travel insurance comes in. When you choose Cruiseabout and Cover-More, you can rest assured throughout your cruise holiday knowing that may be beneficial if something goes awry. From misplaced passports and cancellations or delays, to emergency medical expenses, we’ll be here to help.

Set sail on your dream cruise and choose Cruiseabout Travel Insurance to protect your travels.

Smooth Sailing Starts with Smart Planning

A cruise holiday is a voyage into the unknown, filled with breathtaking destinations and unforgettable experiences. But, even the most meticulously planned journeys can encounter unforeseen curveballs, and that’s why you should consider purchasing travel insurance. Yes, it may be an extra expense, but if things go awry, travel insurance is an affordable cost that can potentially protect you from huge costs in the future. This includes the cost of cancelling your cruise for reasons yet unknown; the cost of emergency medical care when you’re overseas or even a medical evacuation from the ship to a hospital; or the cost of replacing your possessions if your baggage is delayed. We don’t like to think about what could go wrong, but unfortunately, they can – and do.

Here are a few instances where cruise travel insurance can be a holiday-saver:

⚓ Last-Minute Cancellations

“Hello cruise line, yes I need to cancel my holiday please, I’ve had a family emergency and can no longer go. And yes, a full refund would be good, thank you!”

Unfortunately, that conversation is unlikely to go like that. You may be lucky to get a partial refund but even that may depend on how far out you cancel your trip. But, with a comprehensive travel insurance policy, you can choose a cancellation cover amount that suits your needs to help  protect your investment should you need to cancel before you set sail.

⚓ Medical Emergencies

When you’re enjoying that cocktail on the sun deck, a medical crisis is the last thing on your mind. However, unforeseen medical issues during your cruise can quickly become very costly. Hospitalisation and medical evacuation costs outside of Australian coastal waters are very expensive and are not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. It’s crucial to ensure you have coverage for the destinations you visit, as well as any onshore activities and excursions. Medical attention in a foreign country can come with exorbitant costs, with daily hospital bills costing as much as AUD5,000 per dayAnd in the event of a serious emergency requiring a medical evacuation, such as being airlifted to the nearest hospital, expenses can soar up to $100,000 or even more (and that’s just for the helicopter ride).

Fortunately, you can easily alleviate the stress of something like this happening with a comprehensive plan that offers unlimited cover on coverable medical expenses and additional expenses if an emergency were to occur.

⚓ When You Literally Miss the Boat

Cruise ships won’t typically wait for all guests to be onboard before setting sail. They have a window of time to depart, and if you’re not on the ship before then, they’ll likely leave without you. And if you don’t have travel insurance, then you may find yourself up a creek without a paddle. From overnight hotel stays to transportation to meet your cruise ship at their next port of call, travel insurance can help save you from having to foot the bill for this yourself. Plus, the added benefit of 24-hour emergency assistance means that you’ll also receive help trying to figure out your next steps so that you can still enjoy the rest of your holiday.

⚓ Consider Travel Insurance for the Unexpected

You’re likely considering a cruise holiday because you need a true time-out. No cooking, cleaning, or driving – just unpacking once and letting your floating hotel transport you from A to B to Z. But it’s tough to enjoy that if you’re worried about bad weather, illness or international emergencies. That’s why smooth sailing starts with smart planning, and by having a travel insurance policy up your sleeve for when the unexpected happens, you can truly put your mind at ease knowing you have added protection if anything  comes your way. With a support crew back home to help you too.

Contact your Cruiseabout Consultant today for a free, no-obligation quote for your travel insurance, or browse our policies on offer below.

GET A QUOTE

Enter your travel details to get a quote and buy your insurance policy online.

GET A QUOTE ONLINE

Have a question.

Your Cruise Travel Advisor can answer them, or provide you with a quote.

Terms and Conditions apply. Click here to read our Privacy Policy .

Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Travel insurance is arranged and promoted by Flight Centre Travel Group Limited trading as Cruiseabout (ABN 25 003 377 188), managed and administered by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713) and issued by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507. Any information is general advice only and does not take into account your individual situation, needs or objectives. Obtain a copy of the Combined PDS/FSG here. For a copy of the Target Market and Target Market Determination visit here.

Be the first to receive the latest cruising news and hear about our exclusive offers and exciting giveaways.

You're now subscribed.

You can stop emails at any time. Our privacy policy can be found here .

• Subscribe and Save
• Types of Cruises
• Holiday Deals
• Destinations
• Cruise Lines

Thank you for your enquiry. We look forward to helping you find the perfect cruise experience.

Thank you for your secured booking deposit request. We will be in touch shortly to confirm your booking.

I am also interested in the following:

How would you like us to contact you?:

Traveller information

Additional information

What information should I provide

Provide your preferred:

• Cabin Type (Interior or balcony)
• Ship Position (Aft, mid-ship, forward)
• Any special events (Anniversaries, honeymoons)

Call 1300 052 966 or enquire to book this cruise

If you have any questions, please call 1300 052 966

A Practical Guide to Buying Travel Insurance

Travel insurance could be the difference between a huge medical bill or a modest copay. use these tips to find the best policy for your trip..

• Copy Link copied

It’s far better to buy travel insurance and never use it than to not be covered in an emergency.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

For many, travel insurance seems like an unnecessary additional expense. But if you get stuck in a costly situation—a medical emergency, a canceled trip due to a pandemic , a stolen camera—it suddenly becomes a totally worthwhile investment that saves, not costs, you money.

This was the case for writer Chris Ciolli. After years of traveling without a safety net, she invested in travel insurance on a recent trip during which she was rushed to the hospital at 3 a.m. for a slew of just-in-case tests. She ended up with an underwhelming diagnosis of gastritis, but also a slow trickle of medical bills—a few hundred dollars here, a thousand there—that totaled nearly $6,000. Fortunately, her monthlong $185 World Nomads policy covered everything after an initial $80 copay.

But even if you understand the benefits and you’re committed to buying travel insurance, choosing the right policy for your needs—and even knowing what those needs are—can be tricky. To help you choose the best travel insurance for your trip, we’ve consulted a number of travel agents, insurance industry professionals, and lifelong travelers for advice. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from travel insurance reviews and comparisons to common questions answered, to pick the best policy for your next trip.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a plan, similar to health or auto insurance, that protects you from expenses incurred during unforeseen mishaps while traveling, such as lost luggage, trip cancellations, or medical emergencies.

Although your current homeowner’s, renter’s, auto, or health insurance may cover you for certain things while traveling, it usually doesn’t cover everything—especially on international trips. A good travel insurance plan will cover the gaps.

Where do you get travel insurance?

Some very basic forms of travel insurance are included if you booked your trip with a credit card such as World MasterCard, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Ink and Sapphire cards. With these plans, you may be protected regarding some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, but the coverage is usually pretty basic.

You can also purchase it as an add-on while booking flights, cruises, or hotels. These plans are also limited and will only cover you in the event of an unavoidable cancellation due to events such as a natural disaster or a death in your family. “While it may seem less expensive, it may not cover all of the components of your trip,” says Andrew David Harris, vice president and COO of Harris Travel Service . While both of these are better than nothing, the most comprehensive and best travel insurance policies are sold by providers such as World Nomads, Allianz Global Assistance, Seven Corners, or TravelEx. You can purchase these plans through your travel agent, but it’s often less expensive to book directly with the travel insurance provider or through a comparison website, like SquareMouth .

What does travel insurance cover?

Every traveler and trip is different, which is reflected by the variety of travel insurance plans on the market. No matter what plan or provider you choose, below are some common things travel insurance covers. Experts agree that before you buy, you should absolutely look for specific exclusions in the fine print on potential policies. If you’re unsure about something, reach out. A good insurance company will be responsive and willing to clarify your questions.

Trip cancellation and interruption

Most travel insurance policies will include some form of trip cancellation and interruption coverage to reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses, like a prepaid hotel or plane ticket. Unless you add cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance to your plan, there will be a limited set of acceptable reasons to claim this. Illness, death of an immediate family member, and weather are commonly accepted reasons.

Trip delays and missed connections

Also common is reimbursement for additional expenses incurred if a trip is delayed and meets criteria set out by the provider. With World Nomads, your flight must be delayed by at least six hours to qualify.

Baggage and personal effects

Most plans will cover the cost of lost or damaged luggage and personal belongings as well as the cost of purchasing additional items if your luggage is delayed.

Emergency medical and dental care

This covers the cost of medical care when you get sick or have an accident in another country and usually includes medical evacuation. However, travel insurance isn’t a substitute for regular health insurance so nonemergency medical expenses (physicals, anything cosmetic, eye exams) aren’t covered. Childbirth isn’t covered either, even for pregnant travelers who go into labor prematurely.

Shannon O’Donnell, 2013 National Geographic Traveler of the Year and blogger at A Little Adrift , mentions another coverage gap travelers miss: “You’re only covered for what you’re licensed to do back home—if you don’t have a permit for a motorbike and you drive one in Southeast Asia, you might not be covered in an accident.”

Emergency medical evacuation

This covers the cost of an emergency transfer (in an ambulance or helicopter, for example) from an area with inadequate medical care to the nearest medical center with the services you need. It’s costlier but essential in isolated and politically unstable parts of the world.

Accidental death and dismemberment and repatriation

Experts say that “truckloads of coverage for hospital costs and medical repatriation home” are the most important things to look for. “The rest is just window dressing.” A lot of basic plans won’t include this in their coverage, but you can easily add this on with an upgrade to a more premium tier.

Concierge and 24/7 service

Daniel Durazo, director of Marketing and Communications for Allianz Global Assistance , says that “a good policy includes a 24/7 contact line for both medical and travel emergencies.”

Common travel insurance add-ons to consider

A basic plan is usually enough for most travelers, but it may not cover everything you need if you’re older, have pre-existing medical conditions, participate in sports while traveling, book an expensive trip, or travel with expensive gear (such as a high-end camera). If you fall into any of these categories, consider an add-on or upgrade.

Upgrade lost luggage, trip delay, and cancellation amounts

“Standard travel insurance levels cover more modest belongings and lodging,” advises Annette Stellhorn, president and Group Luxury Travel designer at Accent on Travel . If you’re traveling with expensive gear or spending a lot on your trip, consider upgrading to a tier that covers your costs adequately.

Additional coverage for adventure and high-risk travel

Stellhorn also notes that adventure and high-risk travel “require higher benefit amounts for medical evacuation, which can run more than $250,000.” And Judy Perl at Judy Perl Worldwide Travel says that “most insurance companies will not insure high-risk travel at all, with the exception of big companies like First Allied and Travelex .” Even fewer risky activities and sports may only be covered to a limit: that is, climbing to certain heights and diving to certain depths.

Most sports are covered up to a certain level of intensity; any higher and you may have to purchase a different tier of insurance. World Nomads, for example, will cover a slew of adventure travel activities and sports, but at an additional cost on top of its basic insurance.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance

It’s important to read the fine print of any insurance plan because, even if it includes trip cancellation coverage, this often only kicks in under certain circumstances. As many travelers found out recently, trips canceled due to the recent coronavirus pandemic were not covered unless they had a CFAR add-on .

Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, co-owner and copresident at Valerie Wilson Travel , explains that these plans “only cover 75 percent of trip expenses [and only] if travelers cancel their trips at least 48 hours in advance.”

Does travel insurance cover pandemics?

No. “Once actual events have unfolded, such as the coronavirus outbreak, they are considered known or foreseeable events and are no longer covered by most travel insurance policies,” says Afar’s Michelle Baran . The exception is if you chose to upgrade your plan to include a CFAR add-on.

What are the best travel insurance policies?

The best travel insurance policy will depend on you and your trip. You’ll want to make sure you have a plan that covers the cost of your entire trip and the activities you want to do and won’t leave you in the dark if you have preexisting conditions. The following are some of the best travel insurance partners to consider:

Best for: Older travelers and those with preexisting conditions.

While Allianz provides great travel insurance for any traveler, it’s especially appropriate for those with pre-existing conditions, since those are covered in every one of its plans. However, its basic coverage only covers up to $500 in lost or damaged baggage, so consider an upgrade if you’re traveling with more expensive equipment.

Get a quote: allianztravelinsurance.com

Best for: Medical coverage only

GeoBlue’s Voyager basic medical coverage is not a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers a slew of scenarios; rather it provides travelers with basic medical travel insurance. The deductible is a high $500, but at $19 to $35 per trip, it’s an inexpensive way to protect yourself in case something catastrophic happens. If you’re adequately covered for travel mishaps like lost luggage or stolen goods by other insurance (like your credit card or homeowner’s insurance), this might be the plan for you.

Get a quote: geobluetravelinsurance.com

Best for: Traveling with kids

With TravelEx, travelers can choose between a basic or select travel insurance package with options to customize it according to their needs. Both plans cover standard things like trip cancellation and emergency medical services and are an all-around comprehensive option. However, its Travel Select plan also includes free coverage for any children under 17 traveling with you. For families, TravelEx Select is a great money-saving option.

Get a quote: travelexinsurance.com

How much does travel insurance cost?

Complete travel insurance packages can cost as little as $8 per day but vary depending on the length of the trip, destination(s), and the tier of travel insurance you choose. Some, but not all, travel insurance may also cost more for travelers with pre-existing conditions or older adults.

As a comparison, here are some examples of travel insurance costs for a 45-year-old traveler on a $5,000, one-week trip to Mexico:

• $138 for an explorer plan with World Nomads
• $179 for a basic plan with Allianz
• $248 for an essential plan with AIG
• $261 for a basic plan with Travelex

While some of these plans may seem expensive, keep in mind that if they provide you the coverage you need, they can be a huge money saver. Insurer World Nomads says that its average claim amount for 2017 was $1,634, and its most expensive claim—a medical evacuation of a child from Sitka, Alaska, to Seattle—was nearly $200,000. Suddenly, that $8 per day makes travel insurance worth it . But, as Michael Holtz, founder and CEO of the travel agency SmartFlyer , says, “People don’t think they need it until they need it.”

How do I buy travel insurance?

You should always buy travel insurance from an official, reputable provider or website, such as purchasing directly through the insurance provider, a travel agent, or a comparison website; these “offer a way to search, compare, and purchase from a wide array of plans,” says Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com .

Comparison sites to buy travel insurance include:

• Travelinsurance.com
• SquareMouth
• Insuremytrip

Sandberg strongly recommends consumers speak with a licensed agent when they are unsure about benefits. The website Elliott Report is another good resource and features a list of reputable travel insurance companies compiled by consumer advocate Christopher Elliott.

When to buy travel insurance

Generally, you should book your travel insurance as soon as you can after booking your flights and hotels. If you’re traveling to a destination affected by hurricanes , book sooner rather than later, because you can’t buy insurance to cover delays or cancellations related to a storm that already has a name.

People with preexisting conditions need to consider other factors. Most insurers will cover only expenses related to prior illnesses in very specific circumstances; travelers with preexisting conditions must book coverage within a specific time frame, usually between 14 and 21 days, following their initial trip reservation, and they must be medically able to travel on the date they purchase the insurance.

Your travel insurance policy period should be for the duration of your trip from door to door (no gaps or shortcuts, please) and cover you for every place you plan to visit, whether it’s in-state, out-of-state, or international. Some destinations are at higher risk than others, so insurers don’t offer the same coverage for the same price everywhere.

What does your existing insurance cover while traveling?

While your existing health, auto, renter’s, or homeowner’s insurance may cover a few things while you’re traveling, it likely doesn’t cover everything.

• Health insurance: Many U.S. health-care policies, including Medicare, don’t cover travelers on international trips. Some plans will cover you abroad, so check with your provider. If your health insurance only covers you domestically, both the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department recommend purchasing medical travel insurance.
• Travel insurance: Credit cards can provide limited coverage of some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, as well as part of your rental car insurance.
• Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance: Home contents or rental insurance may cover some lost, stolen, or damaged valuables or even offer a reasonably priced floater policy (an add-on to your regular policy that covers easily moveable property) if you travel with expensive equipment.
• Auto insurance: Within the United States, your primary auto insurance will almost always cover rental vehicles. There are a few exceptions for domestic rentals, like if your current auto insurance has low coverage limits. International car rentals are a different story. In Mexico, for example, rental car insurance is mandatory , even if you have insurance at home. Always be sure to check local rules before you reserve a rental car.

Tips for filing claims and getting reimbursed

Unlike most domestic health insurance policies, travel insurance doesn’t typically have a deductible. Some inexpensive policies will require you to pay a small, nonrefundable, initial policy excess amount before further costs up to the benefit limit are covered. Many policies work on a reimbursement plan: You pay upfront, save your receipts, and file a claim, then after processing, your insurance company pays you back for covered expenses.

Most policies require you pay non-emergency expenses out of pocket and submit your claim for reimbursement afterward. In a non-life-threatening emergency, call your insurer for instruction if you’re able; it will make the claims process easier, and the insurer may be able to direct you to a hospital or medical center where your care can be billed directly to it.

Hannah Logan, of the blog Eat Sleep Breathe Travel , says this step is especially important because the small print on many policies “reads that calling the contact number [may be] a requirement for coverage.”

No matter what, document everything. Whether it’s lost baggage, a medical expense, or damage to your rental car, gather and keep anything that can help your claims case: your original rental car agreement, receipts, photos, medical paperwork, a copy of your boarding pass.

Buying travel insurance is a little like packing a suitcase: It can seem overwhelming at first, but eventually it becomes routine and a necessary part of every trip. Once it does, you can travel worry-free, secure in the knowledge that you’ve saved yourself from a possible $6,000 mistake.

This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated on June 19, 2020, and on May 15, 2024, to include current information.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Latest News
• Stock Market
• Premium News
• Biden Economy
• EV Deep Dive
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds
• Top Mutual Funds
• Highest Open Interest
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Charts
• Currency Converter
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Mutual Funds
• Credit cards
• Balance Transfer Cards
• Cash-back Cards
• Rewards Cards
• Travel Cards
• Personal Loans
• Student Loans
• Car Insurance
• Morning Brief
• Market Domination
• Market Domination Overtime
• Opening Bid
• Stocks in Translation
• Lead This Way
• Good Buy or Goodbye?
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

3 reasons you should get cruise insurance and 1 reason you should avoid it.

Cruising the high seas is a favorite way to explore the world for many. 31.7 million travelers took a cruise last year, according to  Statista , and by 2027, that number is expected to climb to 39.4 million. Cruises are a fun way to meet new people and enjoy delicious food and onboard activities while experiencing new travel adventures.

Check Out: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That are a Waste of Money

Read Next: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

It all sounds great — until there’s a problem. What if there is a delay, interruptions, medical situation, or other problems during the cruise? You can always check with the cruise company to see what’s covered on their end and read the fine print. However, cruise insurance might be the answer for most cases except one.

Trip Cancellation, Delays and Interruption

Anything from unexpected sickness to severe weather conditions can interfere with your cruise. “This kind of coverage is essential any time of the year, but especially during hurricane season when storms can impact your travel plans,” per U.S. News and World Report.

Medical Emergencies

Nobody ever plans for a medical emergency on vacation, but it can happen. Health insurance often won’t cover medical costs while traveling, especially internationally.

According to the  U.S. Department of State , “The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills or unexpected medical costs. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel.”

So having cruise insurance that covers medical emergencies could save you big bucks.

Lost, Stolen or Delayed Baggage

Not having your luggage on a cruise is not a great way to start a vacation, but having insurance can give you peace of mind. “Coverage for baggage is important for cruises just like any other trip,” according to U.S. News and World Report. “This type of insurance can pay for essential items you need to buy if your bags are lost or stolen and don’t make it on the ship.”

Credit Card Travel Insurance

You may not need to buy cruise insurance if your credit card offers travel insurance. Many cards provide this service, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has the best travel insurance overall, according to  AP.

Learn More: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024

Benefits include the following:

Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for trip cancellation coverage

Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for trip interruption coverage

Trip delay coverage is worth up to $500 per ticket (a six-hour delay is required)

Baggage delay coverage worth up to $100 daily for five days

Up to $3,000 per passenger for lost luggage reimbursement

Up to $1 million for travel accident insurance

Up to $75,000 for primary rental car coverage

Up to $2,500 when you’re at least 100 miles from home for emergency medical and dental benefits

Up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation coverage

Buying travel insurance for your cruise can be worth it to help alleviate concerns and with the right plan can protect you if things go awry.

More From GOBankingRates

Don't Buy a House in These 3 Cities Facing a 'Climate Change Real Estate Bubble'

The Best $5,000 You Can Spend Every Year in Retirement

This is One of the Best Ways to Boost Your Retirement Savings in 2024

3 Surprising Reasons Women Should Consider an Annuity

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 3 Reasons You Should Get Cruise Insurance and 1 Reason You Should Avoid It

Should You Insure Your Cruise? Here's What To Know

I t's never a bad idea to buy travel insurance before a trip, and a cruise vacation is no different. While most cruise vacations will be incident-free, the adage "you don't need insurance until you absolutely do" is always true. Between the threat of flight cancelation, getting sick onboard, and unpredictable weather, there are plenty of ways your cruise experience may not be smooth sailing — if you sail at all.

Many cruise lines now offer their own cruise insurance to passengers. As far as convenience, you can't beat cruise line insurance. Often, adding a policy simply involves checking a box through your cruise line's website when booking your trip. But before you check that box, you should understand what your cruise insurance does and doesn't cover.

Depending on the policy and your situation, you may find that regular travel insurance through a third-party provider is a better option. Or, maybe your travel credit card provides adequate coverage. To help you navigate, we'll explore what cruise insurance typically covers and whether it's the right choice for you.

Coverage Of Cruise Insurance Policies

While many travelers may elect to purchase travel insurance when planning other types of vacations, some may forgo insurance for cruises, assuming a cruise is pretty insulated from mishaps. But, if you fall ill on a cruise, your typical medical insurance probably won't cover you, especially in international waters. But medical coverage aside, there are other situations to consider.

Circumstances covered by cruise insurance vary by provider and policy, but these types of insurance policies typically cover the following: trip cancellation or interruption, trip delay, baggage protection, medical treatment, and medical evacuation. Similar to other third-party travel insurance providers, many cruise insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions or include "cancel for any reason" coverage. However, you may be able to add on these benefits.

Although cruise insurance may be similar to a third-party travel insurance policy, cruise insurance is typically more limited in its coverage. For instance, if you miss the cruise's departure from the port due to flight cancellation, cruise insurance may offer missed connection coverage, providing you a set dollar amount to fly you to the next port of call.

However, the circumstances of this canceled flight may be limited to mechanical issues or weather. Outside of these reasons, you may need to pay out-of-pocket to reach the next port of call. A third-party travel insurance policy may cover more flight-related circumstances than cruise insurance.

Cruise Insurance Versus Regular Travel Insurance

Overall, cruise insurance policies address circumstances directly related to the cruise, while a third-party insurance policy can cover other aspects of the trip, including flights, accommodations before and after the cruise, as well as the cruise itself. As noted, neither type of insurance policy typically offers "cancel for any reason" coverage in their basic plans, but both usually offer this benefit as an upgrade. However, there's a big difference between the two types of insurance.

Although this can vary by cruise line, many cruise insurance policies offer vouchers as "cancel for any reason" reimbursement, while a third-party insurance policy will reimburse your canceled trip with cash. As noted, if you do cancel your trip, your cruise insurance will probably only address the cruise itself (with vouchers) but not the other nonrefundable expenses, such as flights and accommodations associated with the cruise.

That said, cruise insurance policies are typically less expensive than purchasing standalone travel insurance, especially when adding "cancel for any reason" coverage. And if you're okay with a voucher for another cruise in the future, then cruise insurance may provide adequate coverage for your trip. Also, while basic cruise insurance may be more limited than standalone insurance, these cruise policies vary greatly, so you may be able to adjust a cruise insurance policy to fit your specific needs. 

Read this next: 12 Best Sunscreens To Use When Visiting A Tropical Destination

GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences. These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. We are not a comparison-tool and these offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

3 Reasons You Should Get Cruise Insurance and 1 Reason You Should Avoid It

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology .

20 Years Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed by Experts

Trusted by Millions of Readers

Cruising the high seas is a favorite way to explore the world for many. 31.7 million travelers took a cruise last year, according to  Statista , and by 2027, that number is expected to climb to 39.4 million. Cruises are a fun way to meet new people and enjoy delicious food and onboard activities while experiencing new travel adventures.

It all sounds great — until there’s a problem. What if there is a delay, interruptions, medical situation, or other problems during the cruise? You can always check with the cruise company to see what’s covered on their end and read the fine print. However, cruise insurance might be the answer for most cases except one.

Trip Cancellation, Delays and Interruption

Anything from unexpected sickness to severe weather conditions can interfere with your cruise. “This kind of coverage is essential any time of the year, but especially during hurricane season when storms can impact your travel plans,” per U.S. News and World Report.

Medical Emergencies

Nobody ever plans for a medical emergency on vacation, but it can happen. Health insurance often won’t cover medical costs while traveling, especially internationally.

According to the  U.S. Department of State , “The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills or unexpected medical costs. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel.”

So having cruise insurance that covers medical emergencies could save you big bucks.

Lost, Stolen or Delayed Baggage

Not having your luggage on a cruise is not a great way to start a vacation, but having insurance can give you peace of mind. “Coverage for baggage is important for cruises just like any other trip,” according to U.S. News and World Report. “This type of insurance can pay for essential items you need to buy if your bags are lost or stolen and don’t make it on the ship.”

Credit Card Travel Insurance

You may not need to buy cruise insurance if your credit card offers travel insurance. Many cards provide this service, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has the best travel insurance overall, according to  AP.

Benefits include the following:

• Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for trip cancellation coverage
• Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for trip interruption coverage 
• Trip delay coverage is worth up to $500 per ticket (a six-hour delay is required)
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $100 daily for five days
• Up to $3,000 per passenger for lost luggage reimbursement
• Up to $1 million for travel accident insurance 
• Up to $75,000 for primary rental car coverage 
• Up to $2,500 when you’re at least 100 miles from home for emergency medical and dental benefits 
• Up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation coverage

Buying travel insurance for your cruise can be worth it to help alleviate concerns and with the right plan can protect you if things go awry.

More From GOBankingRates

• Don't Buy a House in These 3 Cities Facing a 'Climate Change Real Estate Bubble'
• The Best $5,000 You Can Spend Every Year in Retirement
• This is One of the Best Ways to Boost Your Retirement Savings in 2024
• 3 Surprising Reasons Women Should Consider an Annuity

Share This Article:

• How To Save Money Fast
• How To Save $10,000 in 3 Months
• How To Save $10,000 in a Year

Best Ways To Save Your Money

• Best Ways To Save Money
• Best Clever Ways To Save Money
• Best Ideas To Save Money Each Month
• Best Frugal Living Tips To Help You Save Money
• Best Tips and Tricks for Saving Money
• Best Money-Saving Challenges
• Best Budgeting Apps

Related Content

6 Cities in the US Where You Can Vacation Comfortably on $3K-$4K for 2 Weeks

May 14, 2024

5 Ways To Make Money -- Maybe Even Become Rich -- If You Love Traveling the World

May 13, 2024

Uncategorized

8 Top Vacation Spots With the Cheapest Rental Cars

I'm a Travel Agent: 4 Cheap Vacations That Feel Expensive for Middle-Class Families

How To Budget for a Retirement Filled With World Travel

May 09, 2024

How To Avoid Overspending This Summer

3 Places To Travel That Are Like Hawaii but Way Cheaper

Top 6 Travel Destinations That Aren't Worth Your Money

7 Reasons To Book an All-Inclusive Hotel for Your Next Vacation

Travel Agents: 7 US Cities We'd Visit This Summer on a $500 Budget

May 15, 2024

5 Theme Parks That Are Way Cheaper Than Disney but Just as Fun

May 07, 2024

Dave Ramsey: 15 Cheap Vacation Ideas in the US

May 06, 2024

12 Cheap and Beautiful Places To Travel Abroad -- and 5 Ways To Save Even More

5 Money Mistakes People Make When Planning a Vacation

I'm a Financial Expert: How Much the Middle Class Should Spend on Summer Vacation in 2024

May 03, 2024

Should You Tip Your Flight Attendant?

Make your money work for you.

Get the latest news on investing, money, and more with our free newsletter.

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Unsubscribe at any time.

You're Subscribed!

Check your inbox for more details.

BEFORE YOU GO

See today's best banking offers.

Sending you timely financial stories that you can bank on.

Sign up for our daily newsletter for the latest financial news and trending topics.

For our full Privacy Policy, click here .

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Help! Our Cruise Operator Went Bankrupt and We Are Out $17,905.

A couple purchased an Arabian Sea voyage, but Vantage, the cruise company, went under. Their travel insurance was supposed to cover financial default, but the claim was repeatedly denied.

By Seth Kugel

Dear Tripped Up,

In September 2022, I booked a 17-day Arabian Sea cruise through Vantage Travel Services to celebrate my 80th birthday with my wife. The cruise was to set sail in October 2023. I used my credit card to leave a $2,000 deposit and paid the remaining $17,905 shortly afterward by bank transfer. I also bought the Worldwide Trip Protector plan from Travel Insured International (for $1,954), in part because it covered financial default and bankruptcy of cruise lines. Vantage then canceled the cruise and offered me an alternative date I could not make; I also declined their offer of credit and asked for a refund, which they agreed to. But no refund ever came, and they stopped answering the phone. My credit card returned the $2,000, and I filed an insurance claim for $17,905. It was denied, as was my first appeal. Then Vantage filed for bankruptcy, and my second appeal was denied too. The reasons given by the insurer were outrageous. They cited a vague parenthetical phrase in the policy’s bankruptcy clause, claiming I wasn’t covered because I purchased the cruise directly from the cruise line (rather than, say, through a travel adviser). Then they said my policy lapsed when I canceled the trip. But I did not cancel; Vantage did. I also filed a complaint with the New York State Department of Financial Services, which was rejected. Can you help? Michael, Smithtown, N.Y.

Dear Michael,

When Boston-based Vantage filed for bankruptcy last year, it owed thousands of customers a total of $108 million for cruises and other travel products they had paid for but never received. The company’s former owner is facing lawsuits in New York and Pennsylvania. But you had purchased an insurance policy to cover just such a risk, a smart move. Or so you thought until the insurance company, Travel Insured International, denied your claim and then used exasperating logic to fend off your two appeals, first interpreting the policy’s financial default and bankruptcy clause in a maddening way and then twisting the meaning of the word “cancel.”

You made a few mistakes as well — most notably, by making a claim based on a financial default that had not yet happened. But after speaking with law professors, insurance experts and competing insurance companies, I believe Travel Insured International was wrong, at least by the time of your second appeal, and should pay up.

What does it have to say for itself? For nearly five months, Travel Insured International and its parent company, Crum & Forster, did not respond to my detailed inquiries. Days before publication, however, a spokeswoman, Amy Whilldin, sent the following statement:

“The claim was properly considered, and the correct determination was made based on the facts of this claim, which was to the satisfaction of both the New York Department of Financial Services and the New York State attorney general.”

Ms. Whilldin is correct about the state’s financial services department . An examiner with the department, which regulates the insurance industry, rejected your complaint. “After a review of the policy language," he wrote, “we do not find they are acting in an arbitrary or capricious manner,” referring to Travel Insured International. I disagree with that determination, as we are about to get into.

But the attorney general’s office was not satisfied. You had complained to its Department of Consumer Frauds and Protection, and they did not receive a response from the company. “Despite our repeated efforts,” an employee wrote, “they have failed to respond.” The letter goes on to recommend you consider suing the company.

I have a better idea. You should file a formal grievance with Travel Insured International, which under your policy allows you to submit new evidence, and if that fails even argue your case in person. (You told me you are not interested in a third option, to accept travel credits under the conditions offered by the Australian company that bought Vantage’s assets.)

In the meantime, your story provides great lessons on how travelers should choose the appropriate travel insurance policy, and what can go wrong even when they do.

In your initial claim to Travel Insured International, filed in late 2022, you cited Vantage’s “very poor record” in refunding its customers and your “assumption that the company is in default in making payments.”

This was an error: Your policy defines financial default as “the total cessation of operations,” and Vantage at the time was running at least some cruises. Travel Insured International’s response simply said that “your travel supplier canceling your trip is not a covered reason.” True.

When you first appealed in April, Vantage was two months short of declaring bankruptcy outright, and was not yet in financial default as defined by the policy. But it was teetering. (That one of its cruises left at all made headlines in The Boston Globe .) This time, Travel Insured International denied your claim, citing the bankruptcy clause, which protects policy holders in case of “Bankruptcy or default of an airline, cruise line, tour operator or other travel provider (other than the Travel Supplier, tour operator, travel agency, organization or firm from whom you purchased your travel arrangements).”

That parenthetical says you are not covered if the organization that sold you the cruise goes bankrupt. You purchased the cruise directly from Vantage, so you are not covered, according to the claims adjuster’s reasoning. (Why the company even cited this clause, if the cruise line was not yet in default, remains a mystery.)

Similar clauses appear in many travel policies, but that’s not what they’re supposed to mean, said Loretta Worters, vice president for media relations at the Insurance Information Institute , an industry group.

Such provisions, she explained, are intended to exclude coverage for an unscrupulous or financially flailing middleman that goes belly-up after collecting your money but before passing it along to the actual travel provider.

“Some of these are fly-by-night, travel-agencies-in-their-kitchen kinds of things,” Ms. Worters said. ( We encountered one such agency in a previous Tripped Up column .)

Guess who agreed with Ms. Worters: The agent who answered the phone when I called Travel Insured International’s customer care line as a potential customer. I asked about the clause and she agreed it was ambiguous, checking with a supervisor before saying: “If you are booking directly with the company and the company itself goes under default or bankruptcy, you would be able to file a claim for the nonrefundable portion of your trip.”

Ms. Whilldin, the spokeswoman for Travel Insured International, did not specifically answer my question about this apparent conflict. But it seems their claims adjuster made a mistake, aided by the ambiguous language of the underwriter who wrote the policy. (That’s United States Fire Insurance, another Crum & Forster company.)

Now, let’s discuss the second appeal. “Once you cancel your trip, the coverage under the plan ends,” Travel Insured International said. Your argument is that you did not cancel; Vantage did.

I think almost anyone who isn’t a lawyer would agree with you. But Oren Bar-Gill , a professor at Harvard Law School and the author of “Seduction by Contract: Law, Economics and Psychology in Consumer Markets,” explained to me the opposing argument. Vantage was contractually allowed to change the dates or offer credit, and you refused, the equivalent of canceling.

But, he added, when Vantage agreed to refund your cruise, it could be “considered a waiver of their contractual rights,” weakening the argument that you canceled your contract.

In a lawsuit New York State filed against the now-defunct Vantage and its former owner, Henry Lewis, the issue also comes up: The suit says Vantage “deceptively” mislabeled cancellations as “postponements.”

Even Travel Insured International admitted that Vantage had canceled, in its original letter rejecting your claim. “It is our understanding that your travel supplier, Vantage, canceled your cruise,” the claims adjuster wrote. Somehow, however, by the third response you had gone from cancelee to canceler.

You also missed a red flag when you chose your policy. Suzanne Morrow, the chief executive of InsureMyTrip , where you found your plan, told me you called the company within minutes of your purchase and asked an agent to point you to the bankruptcy clause. (You confirmed this to me.)

That means you’re not the typical insurance customer blindsided by small print you never read. If you were so concerned about the cruise line’s solvency, you could have canceled your plan during the insurer’s “free look” period and chosen one with more straightforward language — I found several on the InsureMyTrip website.

What lessons can we take away from your debacle?

To begin with, pay for everything with a credit card when your credit limit allows. Because of an odd quirk in a 1974 law , card issuers are required to reimburse you if the company you interacted with goes bankrupt.

Beyond that, the basic advice for travel insurance remains unchanged: Shop for a plan separately through a provider you trust or an aggregator like InsureMyTrip, rather than adding trip protection by checking a box just before you purchase a big-ticket item. Read the policy summaries fully and click through to the actual policy document to read fine print on issues that concern you most (say, bankruptcy protection or medical coverage for pre-existing conditions).

If you don’t understand anything, call the company. If it cannot answer satisfactorily and follow up in writing, choose another provider.

If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Seth Kugel is the columnist for “ Tripped Up ,” an advice column that helps readers navigate the often confusing world of travel. More about Seth Kugel

Come Sail Away

Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

 Cruise Ship Surprises: Here are five unexpected features on ships , some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

 Icon of the Seas: Our reporter joined thousands of passengers on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . The most surprising thing she found? Some actual peace and quiet .

Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

TikTok’s Favorite New ‘Reality Show’:  People on social media have turned the unwitting passengers of a nine-month world cruise  into  “cast members”  overnight.

Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

Cult Cruisers: These devoted cruise fanatics, most of them retirees, have one main goal: to almost never touch dry land .

More From Forbes

Is travel insurance refundable here’s everything you need to know.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Sometimes, travel insurance is refundable. Here's when you can get your money back.

Peter Hoagland always checks to see if his travel insurance is refundable. That's because anything can happen between the time you book your vacation and when you leave — and because travel insurance isn't always refundable.

During the pandemic, he discovered that the hard way. He had to cancel a trip and asked for his money back from the insurance company. It refused.

"Since then, I always read the fine print on the policy," he says.

The refundability of travel insurance has always been an open question. Some countries and U.S. states regulate refundability. Travel insurance companies put refundability details in the fine print of the policy. And, as Hoagland found out, there are always exceptions.

Like the pandemic, when refund policies were all over the map. Some insurance companies adhered to their published policies. Others offered a credit that could be reused within a year, which was minimally useful because the pandemic was still happening a year later. Others quietly gave their customers a refund.

Hoagland says he fought for his money. Eventually, he contacted a manager at his travel insurance company.

"That produced a quick result," he says. "I got my money back."

The Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes Tested For Months

Aurora alert: why you now need to pack a bag for sudden solar storms, leak reveals an etf perfect storm could be heading toward bitcoin after 6 trillion fed inflation flip unleashed a crypto price boom.

But let's face it: Getting a refund for travel insurance can be difficult. There are times when insurance is always refundable because it's required by law. There are times when it's sometimes refundable. And there are times when it's almost never refundable. But even then, there may be a way to recover some — or all — of the value of your policy.

Getting a refund for travel insurance can be a challenge

If you have a travel insurance policy and would like to get a refund, it might be easier said than done, say experts.

"While travel insurance is regulated like auto and home insurance, it’s often less standardized," says Stuart Winchester, CEO of Marble, a digital wallet for your insurance. "So first off, it’s important to check the fine print of your specific policy. Don’t assume it’s like the last one you got."

Even when you have something in writing, a refund can require some serious negotiating skills.

"Getting a refund for travel insurance can be complicated and frustrating," says Peter Hamdy, the managing director of a tour operator in Auckland, New Zealand. He's asked for a refund on policies numerous times and says that despite what travel insurance companies may tell you, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to getting a refund on your policy.

"Some situations can warrant a refund," he says. "It depends on your policy."

What does a typical refundability clause look like? For example, the World Explorer Guardian from Insured Nomads notes that it's refundable only during the 10-day review period from the date of delivery or 15 days from the date of delivery if mailed, provided you have not already departed on your trip and you have not incurred any claimable losses during that time. If you depart on your trip before the expiration of the review period, the review period ends and the policy can't be refunded.

"We go a bit further with our World Explorer Travel Medical plans," notes Andrew Jernigan, CEO of Insured Nomads. "If no claims have been filed then we can refund the unused portion of the policy if you cut your trip short.”

When can you get a refund for travel insurance?

Here are the most common cases where travel insurance can be refunded:

• If you cancel during the "free look" period required by the government. Most states require what's called a "free look" period of anywhere from 10 to 14 days. "During this period, travelers can review the purchase and make sure it fits their needs," explains James Nuttall, general manager of Insubuy . "If it does not, they can cancel it for any reason and get a full refund, no questions asked, so long as you haven’t departed yet.
• If you cancel during the travel insurance company grace period. Many insurance companies also have a grace period for refunds (usually, they are the same as the "free look" although some grace periods can be longer). "If you’re outside your grace period, which typically lasts one to two weeks after signing, you’re contractually obliged to pay your premiums," says David Ciccarelli, CEO of the vacation rental site Lake . "Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask your company for a refund or alternative options if you’re outside your grace window. You might not get a yes, but it could lead to some cost savings or better solutions."
• When someone else cancels your trip. "For instance, if your cruise is canceled due to low river tide, you are not at fault and would typically receive a full refund or credit for a future sailing, thus eliminating the need for the travel insurance policy," explains Rhonda Abedsalam vice president of travel insurance for AXA Assistance US.
• If you die. Typically, the policy would be refunded to your next of kin. Generally, you can also ask for a refund if your travel companion dies before your trip.

Remember, it depends on where you buy your insurance

The refundability of your insurance can depend on where you purchased it. Commercial policies bought from a cruise or tour company are generally canceled and refunded if you cancel the trip far enough in advance of your departure date.

"The travel insurance cancellation provisions are generally tied to the cancellation provisions for the cruise or tour," explains Dan Skilken, president of TripInsurance.com . "After you have paid the last deposits on the cruise and are close enough to departure that they will not provide a refund on the cruise, they generally will also not provide a refund on the travel insurance. But if you cancel early enough to get all or most of your deposit back, you will also get your travel insurance premium refunded."

If you’ve purchased retail travel insurance from a third-party provider or comparison website, you can often get a refund if you can show receipts proving that you received a full refund of all trip deposits and have not had any cancellation penalties or taken any travel credits when you canceled your trip.

That's because retail travel insurance is sold for a specific traveler and for a specific trip. If you have proof of a complete refund and have not received travel credits, then you no longer have what's called an "insurable interest" in the trip. The insurance company must cancel and refund your premium in full, says Skilken.

Insider tip: If the insurance company refuses, just tell them you have proof that you no longer have an insurable interest in the trip. You have to have an insurable interest in a trip to own a travel insurance policy.

Your agent may be able to help you get a refund

You may also be able to lean on the agent who sold you the policy. For example, all policies on Squaremouth come with a money-back guarantee.

"The purpose of this benefit is to give travelers extra time to review their policy documentation to be sure it’s the best policy for their coverage needs," says spokeswoman Jenna Hummer. At Squaremouth, the money-back period typically lasts between 10 and 14 days, which is in line with the mandated "free look" period.

However, I have also seen agents negotiate with travel insurance companies for a more generous refund period in case of extenuating circumstances. There's no guarantee that you'll get it, but it's worth asking — and one reason to work with a third party.

Agents can also help you avoid this problem. Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency, notes that American Airlines Vacation Packages offers a predeparture protection insurance plan, which allows cancellation for any reason before the outbound departing flight time. Other restrictions apply, she adds.

"More flexibility will often cost you more," she says. "But having the flexibility is a great way to sleep well at night."

Can't get a refund? Look for other kinds of flexibility from your travel insurance company

Even if your travel insurance company says no to a refund, it doesn't necessarily mean you've lost the value of your policy.

"If a travel supplier changes or cancels your trip, you should be able to change your travel insurance policy to match the new dates of your trip or even cover a new trip, sometimes up to two years into the future," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA .

Pro tip: Be sure to change the dates of your travel insurance policy before the departure date of your current itinerary. You can do that online or by calling your agent. Once the policy's effective date has passed, making any changes or initiating a refund or credit becomes much more difficult.

Don't forget to do your due diligence

Bottom line: Travel insurance is refundable under certain circumstances. But knowing when can require research.

"It's important for consumers to carefully read their policy upon receipt to understand the specific terms offered by their insurance provider," says Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association.

The more you know, the likelier you are to get the refund you want when your plans change.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

Here are the documents and costs to keep in mind when planning a cruise

As I made plans this summer to take a cruise, I worked my way through my pre-travel checklist. I booked my flights, researched ground transportation options and selected a hotel for the night before boarding.

But I had yet to tick one important box: renewing my expired passport .

I had not traveled internationally since the pandemic began and needed a deadline to motivate me, so shortly before my  sailing from the Netherlands to New York , I filled out the application, paid the fees, and did a quick photo shoot at my local Walgreens.

Passports are just one of the documents travelers may need when taking a cruise, which can add to the overall cost of a trip. Here's what travelers should have on hand and what costs they might encounter before and during their trip:

Inconsistent Wi-Fi and ocean views:  What it's like to work from a transatlantic cruise

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Sailing with children: 11 cruises you need to take while the kids are still young

What documents will travelers need to board a cruise?

The U.S. State Department recommends cruise passengers sailing from America have a passport.

U.S. citizens booked on closed-loop cruises – those that start and end at the same U.S. port – can enter the country with a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate instead, but the State Department encourages having a passport "in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port," according to its website . Cruise lines may also require it.

Denise Jewell, owner of Opulence Travel Agency, also recommends having a passport, even on closed-loop cruises, in case you don't make it back to the ship in time during a stop.

"It'll be much easier to deal with the locals if you have a passport as opposed to a birth certificate," Jewell said.

If travelers need to apply for or renew a passport, "the sooner you get started the better," said Danny Genung, CEO of travel agency Harr Travel. He suggested beginning that process as soon as you book your trip, even if it's a year in advance.

"This is one of the big pain points and stress points of travel if you wait too long," Genung said.

Even travelers who have procrastinated, though, may not be out of luck. I mailed my passport renewal application on Sept. 7 and paid about $208 in fees overall, including expedited service. I received my new passport on Oct. 3, about two weeks before my trip.

What costs will travelers encounter while taking a cruise?

Many costs associated with a cruise are included in the fare travelers pay when they book. "I think one of the things I would point out is, spending money on a cruise ship is a choice," said Genung, noting that he has been on many cruises and spent nothing additional except on gratuities. However, with mainstream cruise lines, there are generally some key expenses to keep in mind (on luxury lines, many of these costs are likely to be included in the fare).

►  Taxes, fees and port expenses : In addition to the fare, travelers must pay taxes, fees and port expenses, said Brigitte Feinberg, a travel adviser and independent affiliate of Avenue Two Travel. Those can vary based on the specifics of your trip.

► Gratuities: On mainstream lines such as Royal Caribbean International, Feinberg said, gratuities are automatically added to travelers' bills on a per person, per day basis. 

Those prices can vary. Royal Caribbean  charges $16 per guest each day staying in non-suite staterooms, and $18.50 for those in suites, while Carnival Cruise Line applies a $14.50 daily charge per passenger for non-suite rooms, and $16.50 for guests in suites, according to their websites.

Marvel Day at Sea returns: Disney Cruise Line event is back with more superheroes, villains than ever

Cruise line guide: Traveling with family, or maybe looking for adventure? There's a cruise line for that

Guests can prepay those gratuities, so they "don't have to worry about that bill at the end of the cruise," Feinberg said, or pay them as part of the final bill. Passengers can also adjust the gratuities up or down, though Feinberg does not recommend the latter.

She added that some guests also bring cash to tip crew members directly who "went above and beyond" during the trip.

► Some food and drinks:  While much of the food is included on mainstream lines, some restaurants and items may cost extra.

On my October Holland America Line cruise, I visited specialty restaurants with prices ranging from $19 to $49 per person, plus an 18% gratuity.

Lines such as Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line also include basic drinks like iced tea and regular coffee while charging for others. Genung said, "in a lot of cases there's good value" in pre-purchasing specialty dining or beverage packages.

► Shore excursions:  On mainstream cruise lines, Feinberg said, excursions are not included either. "Yes, the room's only $300 for a week, but by the time you're all said and done you're going to be spending a lot more than that," she said.

She said excursions can run from $50 to hundreds of dollars per person.

Most cruise lines have promotional sales on excursions and other packages before the cruise, Genung said, which can offer "significant savings," particularly for families traveling together.

"I have two little kiddos myself, and it's a lot more expensive to travel than when it was just my wife and I," he said. "So, you know, when you multiply an unexpected cost times four, or five or six, it gets pretty exponential."

► Wi-Fi:  Many cruise lines charge extra for Wi-Fi, but the price may depend on your needs.

Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, sells both basic and premium options for one, two, and four devices, starting at $25.50 per day if guests purchase online and about $30 per day if they purchase on board, according to its website . The line also sells a 250-minute option.

Genung noted that it is almost always cheaper to purchase the internet prior to boarding than it is after getting on the ship.

► Laundry:  Depending on the length of the sailing, travelers may run out of clean clothes as I did on my October transatlantic cruise.

Like many mainstream lines,Holland America offered laundry services with several options, to choose from. I picked the Laundry By the Bag package, which cost $30 for as many clothes as I could fit in a bag the line placed in my stateroom closet.

New cruise ship: MSC Cruises will sail World America from the US in 2025

Cruise lines change COVID-19 rules: Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line further lift requirements

There was also an Unlimited Pressing package for $75 and an Unlimited Laundry option for $135, including pressing, both for the duration of the sailing, according to an info sheet in my stateroom.

Feinberg noted that some cruise lines also have laundry rooms where guests can wash and dry their own clothes, such as Carnival, which charges $3.50 for each washer load, and $3.50 per dryer load, according to its website .

• Travel Insurance Compare Our Plans Popular Benefits COVID-19 Benefits International Plans Domestic Plans Comprehensive Insurance Annual Multi-Trip Inbound Plan Cruise Ski & Snowboard Motorcycle & Moped Adventure Activities Seniors Medical Conditions
• Emergency Assistance
• Travel Alerts COVID-19 International Travel Tool Cover-More App
• Manage Policy
• travel_explore Not sure? See region list.

Where are you going?

Enter the destination(s) you plan to visit or select them from the list of countries and regions in the dropdown.

Planning a stopover? If you’re in a country for less than 72 hours, you do not need to list it as a destination.

Don’t currently know all the countries you’ll be visiting? You can select a region to obtain cover for all countries within that region, or you can select “Anywhere in the world”. Important: If selecting “Anywhere in the world”, your policy will not provide cover for claims arising in countries that are subject to sanctions. Your safety is paramount, so please read and familiarise yourself with the “ Standing Travel Alert for High Risk and Sanctioned Countries ” when undertaking worldwide travel – and before making any side trips to neighbouring countries – to ensure you have adequate cover.

Going on a cruise? If your cruise is in inland Australia (e.g. on the Murray River) or in Australian coastal water (e.g. the Kimberley), enter or select “Australia”. If your cruise embarks and disembarks from Australia ports only without any stopover at a port outside of Australia (e.g. a “Sampler Cruise” or cruise from Sydney to Brisbane), enter or select “Domestic Cruise”. If your cruise is overseas (e.g. a European river cruise, a Caribbean cruise, or a cruise from Sydney to Hong Kong), enter or select the country or region you will spend the most time in during your trip.

Want to come to Australia on our Inbound Plan? Select “Australia Inbound”.

When do you depart?

Enter the date you will leave your home to start your trip.

When do you return?

Enter the date you will arrive home based on AEST (considering any time differences/zones and travel times).

Duration of each trip?

Select the maximum trip duration that best suits your needs.

The maximum trip duration you select will apply to each separate trip you take during the 12-month period of your policy.

For cover to apply, you cannot take trips that exceed this maximum duration. If you make a claim related to a trip that exceeds this maximum duration, it may be declined.

The maximum trip duration you select will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.

Age of each traveller?

Enter the age (as of today) of each adult and child to be included on the policy.

Compare Our Best Travel Insurance Plans

Are you heading off on a long-awaited break? Before you jet off, it’s important to consider protecting your trip with the right travel insurance for your needs.

You can compare our Cover-More travel insurance plans below to find the one that best fits your holiday, planned activities, and budget.

Compare International Plans

Compare Domestic Plans

We offer travel insurance plans for Australian residents looking for comprehensive or basic cover, as well as a Cover-More annual travel insurance plan.

Want to speak to someone? You can call our agents on 1300 72 88 22 to discuss if our travel insurance plans. Otherwise, all purchased Cover-More travel insurance policies come with our 21-day cooling-off period** so you can buy with confidence.

International travel insurance plans for Australian residents

Compare our plans below to find the most suitable plan for your overseas trip:

• International Basic : This plan is designed for travellers heading off overseas who want cover that helps protect against the essentials only. Only Single Trip policies are available on this plan.    
• International Comprehensive : This travel insurance plan provides the benefits travellers want and much more, helping to keep you – and your belongings – safe while you’re overseas. This plan is available on both Single and Annual Multi-Trip policies.    
• International Comprehensive+ : This is our best travel insurance plan for travellers looking for Cover-More’s most comprehensive international cover. It contains all our key benefits and highest coverage amounts for those travelling abroad. Both Single and Annual Multi-Trip policies are available on this plan.

Compare our International Cover-More Travel Insurance Plans

For full details on all the benefits and benefit amounts included in our international travel insurance plans, see the Product Disclosure Statement . It includes the terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that you should consider before you purchase.

Are you an overseas resident looking for an inbound travel insurance plan for a trip to Australia? Our Inbound Plan may be suitable for you.

Want us to safeguard your overseas trip?

Find out how we can help keep you travelling safely today.

Domestic travel insurance plans for travel within Australia

Compare our plans to discover which one is best for you while you explore your home country:

• Domestic Basic: This plan is our basic travel insurance option for local budget-conscious travellers who only want our Cover-More team to provide cover for the absolute essentials. This base-level cover option is available on Single Trip policies only.    
• Domestic Comprehensive: This quality travel insurance plan provides local travellers with all the essential benefits plus a lot more, which can help provide much-needed assistance should an unexpected incident occur. Travellers can purchase this plan on a Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip policy.    
• Domestic Comprehensive+: This is our most comprehensive travel insurance plan for domestic travellers who want the top level of cover for their trip in Australia. This plan can be bought as either a Single Trip policy or an Annual Multi-Trip policy.

For full details on our domestic travel insurance plans – including the terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions – see the Product Disclosure Statement before you consider purchasing one of our Cover-More travel insurance policies.

Want us to cover your domestic trip?

Compare our plans to find the best travel insurance policy for you.

* Sub-limits apply. Please refer to the PDS for full policy conditions.    ** Cooling-off period is available if you cancel your policy within 21 days provided you have not made a claim or departed on your journey.    ~ Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury.    ^ Cover chosen applies per policy.    ^^ Conditions apply if you are aware of the pregnancy at the relevant time. For a single trip policy, relevant time means the time of issue of the policy and for an annual multi-trip policy it means the first time at which any part of the relevant trip is paid for or the time at which the policy is issued, whichever occurs last.    † Liability collectively for Loss of Income, Disability and Accidental Death is $45,000 on the Comprehensive+ Plan and $30,000 on the Comprehensive Plan.    • Item limit applies for any one item, set or pair of items including attached and unattached accessories. You may increase these items limits if you wish. See PDS for full details.